In this new era, past employment experiences encompassing continuity and predictability has changed. In exchange, we see organizations which are moving aggressively towards more efficiency and competitive advantage. They are influenced greatly by inevitable forces of change such as deregulation, restructuring, globalisation and the desire for knowledge capital. From the employee's point of view, adapting is vital but there are mixed results to this adaptation, with potential problems such as work stress, illness, and underperformance. To counter such problems, focus should be placed on psychological well-being which helps to create a balance between personal and organizational life through self-identity, and self-esteem, leading to the sense of stability. In this report, we will look at the motivational need systems of individuals, followed by the importance of meaningful work, and also how these two factors when combined help create a healthy workplace, and finally the role of organization in promoting such environment.



Firstly, we look at motivational need systems. They are the basic driving forces that influence human behaviour and are adaptive with time. Two particular systems are the need for attachment/affiliation and also the need for exploration and assertion. In the former, there is an innate pleasure of sharing and affirmation, which promotes self worth and self esteem. In the latter, the ability to explore and choose what one likes to do will go a long way to encourage effectiveness and competency.

Furthermore, in order to find meaning in work, there should be a balance between the inner and outer reality. This will promote authenticity and constancy whereby the employee experiences heightened personal accomplishment and competence. With this sense of significance and orientation, the individual will develop a sense of self and identity. When coupled with the above two motivational need systems, it will allow individuals to feel a sense of purpose, sense of belonging, sense of self-determination, and of competence which motivates him/her to do even more. This creates trust and mutual respect between the individual and the organization, and empowers the employee to do their best. This promotes a healthy workplace which contributes to and reinforces adaptive functioning.

To conclude, we emphasize that organizations play an equally important role in creating well-functioning individuals in today's employment scene. A humane corporate culture can flourish in companies which are capable of inspirational leadership, providing excellent perks, and the sense of purposefulness to the employees. Policies which accomplish this include information sharing, flexible hours, removal of hierarchy, and profit sharing. This lays the groundwork for better mental health for the individual and the organization. Through meaningful work, the issue of potential breakdown of the psychological contract becomes inexistent, and this provides the individuals with the necessary psychological well-being to function well in today's employment scene.