Really enjoyed this book! It is chock full of outstanding advice for everyone in an organization's hierarchy (whether lateral or vertically oriented). It outlines what meaning is, and more importantly in doing so, it shows what it isn't. HR professionals may find more useful concepts in this book but as someone with occasional supervisory duties, I still found it enlightening.

As an elder millenial, the idea of meaning at work wasn't sharply clarified until my very early 20s as an impetus beyond the rungs of survival jobs. Tracing the need for meaning as the authors do, is helpful for those who feel as though they may be waking up to a working world espousing these virtues that sound entitled compared to previous motivational refrains. It is a helpful discursive salve in this sense alone!

With the amount of information at our fingertips, we are a world of "why"...and we are much better for it! Adams and Myles explain the why behind this, and its importance to everyday work. Some might say it's the result of an entitled generation but realistically it is the cultural and sociotechnological shifts shaping a generation. Progressive generations have been taught to expect more, not just from their workplaces but in short order, themselves when information meets meaning as the authors illuminate.

The meaning doesn't happen overnight and contrary to what many corporate trainers might suggest, there isn't a magical secret sauce. They outline the foundations for a strong workplace culture so that it is within easy reach for any senior leaders hoping for long term change rather than quick wins among lowest common denominators. They also outline a very important caveat in the application of the book's wisdom: "work must be decent before it can be meaningful"

Without giving too much away, the authors focus on 3 areas of focus to develop a strong organizational ethos around: community, contribution, challenge. Your organization may not use the same words, but certainly engages similar principles. I can see how this book has the potential to generate great ideas, initiatives, hiring practices, and most importantly, clarify expectations about work from employees and standards of practice for management. I hope it is on the lists of many as a 2025 must read.

This book is a game-changer for anyone trying to build a thriving, motivated workplace! Adams and Myles have created a roadmap for leaders to foster meaningful work through their "Three Cs" framework: Community, Contribution, and Challenge. The authors combine their years of consulting and research to show how creating purpose at work not only boosts employee engagement but also leads to higher performance and satisfaction.

The practical tools and inspiring case studies, including examples from companies like Google and Zappos, make it approachable and actionable for leaders at any level. Whether you're a corporate executive or managing a smaller team, the tips on gratitude, storytelling, and empowering autonomy will resonate. If you're navigating today's shifting work culture or dealing with challenges like burnout or quiet quitting, this book provides much-needed clarity and inspiration.

Perfect for fans of leadership and workplace transformation books, I'd rate it a solid 4.75/5. Highly recommended for those who love actionable insights with a touch of heart!