Developing the knowledge base to understand and facilitate the process by which people navigate the often challenging context of work is a fundamental objective of organizational and vocational psychology as well as broader studies of career and work. Working represents a core aspect of human life, optimally providing a means of sustainability, social connections and contribution, self-determination, and a source of meaning. UNDERSTANDING DECENT WORK AND MEANINGFUL WORK We suggest future research directions broadening the available scholarship and methods used, promoting a focus on the complex intersection of macrolevel and psychological factors as well as interdisciplinary approaches in determining the quality of work, and engaging in intervention research to improve the way in which people live and work together. We argue that need satisfaction serves as the primary connector, and societal context, organizational conditions, and individual practices (in order of effectiveness) promote access to each type of work. Following a conceptual and empirical review of scholarship on decent work and meaningful work, we draw from psychology of working theory to connect the two constructs. Decent work reflects basic workplace conditions to which all employees are entitled, whereas meaningful work is aspirational, reflecting significance at work. Emerging from distinct perspectives, decent work and meaningful work are fundamental aspects of contemporary work with profound implications for individuals, organizations, and society.

Ucr workfront