Unlocking the power of meaningful work: elevating engagement and satisfaction in the realm of decent jobs

Purpose: Sustainable development must address the challenge of ensuring decent work for all (SDG 8) and promoting good health and well-being (SDG 3). This study aims to assess the relationship between decent and meaningful work and their impact on work engagement and job satisfaction among adult workers. Decent work goes beyond mere employment, encompassing standards for a fulfilling life, including fair compensation and workplace security, while fostering personal development and social integration. Following the psychology of working theory (PWT), decent work is a prerequisite to the attainment of meaningful work, viewed as a positive belief system about one’s work and its potential positive impact on life and the world. Design/methodology/approach: A sample of 276 adult workers, aged 21–70 years (M = 43.55, SD = 11.76), was surveyed to explore the association between decent and meaningful work and the following impact on work engagement and job satisfaction. Structural equation modelling was employed. Findings: The study identified meaningful work as a crucial mediator between decent work and the outcomes of work engagement and job satisfaction. Practical implications: The findings highlight the importance of cultivating meaningful work experiences to enhance workplace well-being.Organisations should prioritize interventions to promote both decent and meaningful work to align with sustainable development goals and improve employee satisfaction and engagement. Originality/value: Our findings emphasize the pivotal role of decent work and, consequently, meaningful work in shaping employees’ well-being.