Pursuing Purpose: A call for Authenticity

Many companies today position themselves as 'purpose-driven,' offering more than just a paycheck—a chance to make a positive difference in the world. For some, this purpose is genuine—their values and actions align, and employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on society, the environment, or their industry.

But for others, purpose has become a branding tactic—a way to follow the trend without taking on the responsibilities, using rhetoric to advance self-interest. The idea of purpose becomes an expectation placed on employees to give more—more mental energy, more emotional investment, and more time—without the company providing necessary support or compensation. After all, studies show that employees, especially younger ones, value purpose as much as, if not more than, financial rewards.

As an employee, it's time to ask yourself a few key questions:

• Does the purpose feel more like a performance? Is there a gap between what's promised and what's actually being done?

• Are you mentally drained without clear growth or reward? Are you being asked to act like an entrepreneur, bring new ideas, and invest emotionally without necessary support or compensation?

• In decision-making, is purpose (or micro-goals around purpose) truly considered? Or is the motive purely profit?

It’s time for both employees and companies to be authentic. If you’re a purpose-driven company, ensure your daily operations reflect that—go beyond the rhetoric. Make sure your employees feel supported, fairly compensated, and aligned with the larger mission. Foster a meaningful internal culture where your employees thrive first—only then can you expect them to genuinely contribute to the betterment of others.

For employees, understand where you thrive. If you’re seeking meaning and purpose, choose a company that’s truly walking the talk, where you can be entrepreneurial and solve problems. But if you value stability, clarity, and boundaries—because your focus and priorities lie elsewhere—don’t feel pressured to jump on the purpose bandwagon. Find a place where you can do your work, fulfill your role, and then go home.

Purpose, when authentic, is a powerful motivator. But when it’s used as a superficial tactic, it leads to frustration and undermines trust, both internally and externally. Companies cannot sell a hollow narrative forever.