Purpose-driven work: How the best workplaces align values ​​and mission to succeed

Purpose has become one of the most critical factors influencing success in the workplace today. Employees are increasingly seeking deeper connections between their personal values ​​and the organizations they work for. In response, companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of leading with purpose—not only to foster a sense of belonging, but also to achieve measurable business results.

A study by McKinsey proves this and highlights that employees who achieve their goals at work are 6.5 times more likely to be more resilient and four times more likely to have better health and stay with their employer Six times more likely to be around. It’s not just about employee retention and employee well-being; These people are also 1.5 times more likely to go above and beyond their role.

Deloitte’s 2023 Global Human Capital Trends Report echoes these findings, highlighting that organizations that align work with experiences of individual and collective purpose can improve well-being, engagement and productivity. Nearly 70% of employees surveyed also said they reflected on their work goals. So, as employees think more deeply about how to fulfill their responsibilities with purpose, organizations must be equally responsible for reinforcing their vision and mission, and how their workforce contributes to this to a greater extent.

Unlock strategies on how to successfully achieve this goal as part of MintIndia’s Best Workplaces Serieswe interviewed industry leaders to learn how they are spearheading purpose-driven initiatives within their organizations.

1. Clearly define actionable goals.

Shaji Mathew, Group Head, HRD, Infosys, Emphasize the importance of clear and actionable goals. He believes that the best-performing companies are guided by goals beyond just business interests.

“Infosys’ Purpose – Empowering Human Potential and Creating the Next Opportunity for People, Businesses and Communities – Actively focuses on employee well-being,” he shared.

Infosys is also embracing the rapid changes brought about by artificial intelligence (AI). Through an AI-first talent strategy, the company equips employees with the skills they need to thrive in an AI-driven world. “We continually invest in redesigning our work and platforms to support this agenda,” Matthew explained.

However, Infosys aims beyond professional advancement. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a way to achieve your company’s purpose and become a values-driven employer. For example, their recent employee-driven volunteer effort created more than 200,000 seed balls for reforestation in more than 20 locations in India. Matthew highlighted the dual benefits of this move: “It’s a win-win, allowing us to create positive social outcomes while providing employees with a way to achieve their personal goals“.

2. Communicate and evaluate purpose-driven behavior

For purpose to become a tangible part of the workplace, organizations must ensure that their values ​​are woven into the cultural fabric. Ruzbeh Irani, President, Group Human Resources, Mahindra Groupprovides a roadmap for this adjustment.

“An organization’s mission, vision and values ​​can only be realized when they are truly embraced by employees,” Ruzbei emphasized.

At Mahindra, the RISE philosophy unites employees under a common sense of purpose and becomes the foundation for attracting, retaining and engaging top talent. He also noted the importance of effective communication in aligning employee values ​​with organizational goals. “A clearly communicated mission statement helps employees understand the purpose of the organization and their role within it,” he said.

Mahindra Group has taken this alignment a step further by integrating values ​​into performance reviews. “Recognizing and rewarding employee behaviors that are consistent with the mission motivates individuals and reinforces the desired culture,” Ruzbeh explained.

3. Address challenges through transparent leadership

Establishing and strengthening alignment between personal values ​​and corporate mission is not without challenges. Resistance to change, fragmented goals, and external pressures can derail efforts.Biplob Banerjee, Chief Human Resources Officer, Emami Ltd.provides practical solutions to overcome these obstacles.

“Leaders must lead by example, like Kapil Dev ’83 or Indra Nooyi in the corporate world, to effectively model goal-driven behavior” asserted Biplob. He emphasized the importance of daily commitment to goals, likening it to military drills that require discipline and consistency. At Emami, this commitment is reflected in transparent communication, a policy focused on diversity and prioritizing alignment with organizational values In consistent recruiting practices, Biplob emphasizes, “When top leadership drives and takes the time to align goals, it sets the tone for the entire organization.“

Transparency is another cornerstone of purpose-driven work. Biplob believes that simple, accessible processes can engage employees in the mission and make it a part of their daily lives. He emphasized coaching as a key strategy to overcome weaknesses or exploit strengths, similar to IPL teams who utilize professional coaches to maximize their potential.

4. Integrate purpose into daily operations to create long-term impact

Purpose is no longer a “nice-to-have” in the workplace but a strategic imperative for growth, innovation and higher levels of employee engagement.

Infosys exemplifies how purpose-driven decisions can create meaningful results. By aligning CSR initiatives with its mission, companies empower employees to contribute to a larger social purpose, thereby fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment. It also aligns with recent BCG research findings, which show that 85% of Indian CXOs surveyed believe ESG initiatives are critical or very important to driving HR strategy and aligning organizational culture with broader societal goals .

Ruzibe also aptly summarizes the role of leadership in this process: “Leaders and managers must embody values ​​and demonstrate consistency in their daily actions. This sets the standard for behavior within the organization and highlights the importance of consistency in building a truly inclusive and progressive culture“.

Biplob echoes this sentiment, noting that purpose-driven work is a journey, not a destination. This is not a one-time exercise; Rather, it is an ongoing process of reflection and adaptation.

The roadmap for purpose-driven work is clear:Define goals, assess behavioral alignment, address challenges and embed goals into daily operations. Organizations that follow this path will not only achieve commercial success, but also create meaningful impact for their employees and communities.

Through a purpose-first approach, organizations can redefine success—making it more than just profit, but one that promotes well-being, growth, and long-term resilience for all stakeholders.