Many people spend the majority of their lives working, yet far too many of them feel disengaged, unfulfilled, or downright miserable in their jobs. Whether it’s a lack of connection to the company’s mission, poor work culture or limited growth opportunities – job satisfaction often falls short. But what if work could be more than just a pay check?
Purpose-driven companies that prioritise values, training and employee development show that it’s possible to create an environment where people feel engaged and truly valued. We recently caught up with Kurt J. Lesker Company, a successful global company and Sussex Business Award winner who exemplifies this approach.
The power of purpose in the workplace
Many businesses today focus primarily on short-term profits, often overlooking the importance of purpose and values in shaping a meaningful workplace. The consequences? Disengaged workers and poor morale.
In contrast, Kurt J. Lesker Company takes a different approach by prioritising long-term sustainability, employee well-being and a purpose that extends beyond profits. The company focuses on creating jobs, advancing technology and contributing to projects that positively impact the world. These core values shape the company’s operations and foster a work environment where employees feel connected to a larger mission. This emphasis on purpose not only drives the company’s growth and success but also empowers employees, motivating them to contribute to something meaningful.
Building people, not just profits
One of the key ways Kurt J. Lesker Company ensures its employees are engaged and satisfied is through ongoing training and development. The company invests in traineeships, educational programs and mentoring, providing opportunities for employees to grow and develop throughout their careers. This approach helps ensure that employees not only thrive in their current roles but are also prepared for future leadership positions.
With companies that prioritise learning and development tending to have higher job satisfaction and better long-term retention rates, organisations like Roffey Park Institute can make a significant impact. Offering training programs which focus on leadership and organisational development to help businesses build stronger, more resilient teams – an approach that aligns directly with Kurt J. Lesker Company’s philosophy of investing in their people to help develop leaders who can drive both business success and employee satisfaction.
A global business with a personal touch
Managing a multicultural workforce can be challenging, but it also brings unique advantages. Kurt J. Lesker Company has a strong global presence, with a team of 530 employees across the Americas, EMEA and Asia. This global reach is supported by their emphasis on cultural understanding, with native speakers in key markets ensuring smooth communication and stronger customer relationships – creating a successful diverse and inclusive workforce.
But for others the challenges can sometimes get in the way. Roffey Park Institute’s expertise in leadership training helps companies like Kurt J. Lesker Company navigate problems by providing leaders with the tools to manage diverse teams effectively – with programs on cross-cultural communication to create organisations where everyone, regardless of background, feels heard and respected.
The future of work
Ultimately the combination of strong leadership and moving away from purely profit-driven models to a more holistic approach that incorporates purpose, values, and employee development creates a workplace where people feel connected to something bigger than themselves and are empowered to thrive.
