Finding the right place to work is neither simple nor easy. Several studies show that between 70 and 78 percent of us say that we are not fully engaged in our current job. Yet a healthy fit between employer and employee is critical to activating great performance and meeting our powerful human needs for connection to others, engagement, and contribution. When a company is the right work fit for an employee, everyone breathes a sigh of relief and basks in the joy of someone bringing their professional gifts to a company they jive with. People who are in the right job for them feel increased engagement, happiness, productivity, serenity, and joy. Healthy work fit exists, and it is worth pursuing.

The Work Fit Manifesto

1. It is possible to feel engaged, happy, and valued at work.
2. People are healthier in mind, heart, and soul when they feel satisfied in their jobs.
3. Individuals who find the right job fit do better outside of work and help create resilient families and strong communities.
4. Work fit varies based on time of life; needs change with circumstances.
5. Organisations do better in all ways (profit, performance, quality, and mission) when employees are right for the work and the culture. Companies succeed when the people in them succeed.
6. There is a place for everyone to thrive at work. However, what works for one person might not work for another. The fit equation is highly personal.
7. A focus on work fit benefits people, organisations, communities, and the world.
8. Fit matters. The global economy demands that people everywhere feel connected and relevant so that they bring their best work to work.

As important as work fit is, finding it for ourselves always requires a series of trade-offs, and there’s no such thing as perfect work fit. What makes sense today simply may not make sense tomorrow, and this very fact means we will be re-calculating the fit equation about our work situation many, many times in the course of our lives. That said, deliberately seeking work fit requires two steps

1. Rigorous Self-Awareness

On the quest to find an ideal organisation for you, the best starting point is a long, hard look in the mirror and asking yourself, “What really matters to me?” Self-discovery is a lifelong process and for most of us, our learning and insight forms in layers, over time, as we mature and grow.

2. Honest, Thorough Assessment

Our research points to six interconnected elements of work fit that matter individually, as well as in conjunction: meaning, job, culture, relationship, lifestyle, and financial fit. People who are happy at work, love their jobs, and feel a high degree of work fit have at least three of the core elements working for them, and none of the elements is causing regular pain. Use the Work Fit Checklist (below) to figure out how your current position fulfils your fit equation, for now.

Meaning Fit (Meaning fit exists when you feel that what you do matters.)

The things I care about also seem to matter to this company.

I regularly feel sure that I am contributing to something important.

I am clear on my contribution.

I am satisfied that what I do makes a difference most of the time.

My job taps into my interests and passions.

I feel pride in working for this company.

How many items did you check for Meaning Fit?

Job Fit (Job Fit exists when the responsibilities of your job align with your talents.)

My job is a good match for my skills, interests, training, and talents.

I have opportunities at work to do what I really enjoy.

My job makes good use of my previous experience.

I have the right resources and support to do my job.

I feel that I am learning and growing in my job.

I have the credentials and education needed to do my job well.

How many items did you check for Job Fit?

Culture Fit (Culture fit exists when your values and beliefs are compatible with the practices of your employer.)

The organisation’s actions match its values.

My communication style works well here.

I feel fully engaged.

I understand my role and my job.

I am able to be myself.

Processes are consistent and reliable.

How many items did you check for Culture Fit?

Relationship Fit (Relationship fit exists when you like and respect the people you work with and you receive appropriate support and trust to do your job.)

My boss and I share similar work-related values and philosophies.

I generally trust my boss and we communicate well.

I enjoy spending time with my coworkers.

I feel respected and trust my coworkers.

I have good friends at work.

Conflict is healthy and productive.

How many items did you check for Relationship Fit?

Lifestyle Fit (Lifestyle fit exists when your life outside of work is supported by your employer’s policies and practices.)

I feel that I have the right balance between my job and time outside of work.

I find my work challenging but not overwhelming.

There isn’t pressure to work long hours that interferes with my life outside of work.

I feel I can meet my personal and family needs while also working productively.

My job is flexible in the ways I need it to be.

Travel to and from work is convenient.

How many items did you check for Lifestyle Fit?

Financial Fit (Financial fit exists when you feel that you are paid fairly and when your compensation meets your needs.)

I feel my pay is fair.

I appreciate my overall compensation package, long and short term.

There is a good match between my job and my pay.

There is a good match between my job and my benefits.

I can take care of my responsibilities with what I am paid.

There’s potential for growth in my pay over time.

How many items did you check for Financial Fit?

Congratulations! You now have a reasonably good assessment of how you are feeling about your current work situation.

What your score might indicate

• If you have at least one area that has zero or one items checked, your work might be causing you serious pain.
• If at least three areas have four or more items checked, there’s a lot working out for you in your current situation. Congratulations on a solid fit!
• If you have no areas with zero or one items checked, you are probably not experiencing pain in any element.

Don’t let yourself settle for a poor work fit. If you find that your current job isn’t satisfying you in multiple areas, you owe it to yourself, your community, and the world to acknowledge that and begin doing what it takes to find a better situation for you, either by asking for changes in your current position or looking for something else. To solve the complex problems facing humanity, we need the magic that happens when people are working in the right job at the right organisation.

This article is from our friends over at Conscious Company Media. Read the original piece on their site and find out more about the incredible work they do.