Surprising Tips to Contribute at Work for Personal Fulfillment and Team Growths

Why is contribution important in life, and what does it truly mean to contribute? How can we expand the concept of contribution to foster a sustainable, happy workplace? In this video, I’ll explore the idea of contribution, its role as one of the six human needs, and its power as a catalyst for sustainable happiness.

Contribution doesn’t always involve financial donations or official volunteering. It can be as simple as sharing your ideas in the workplace, offering support to a co-worker, or being there for a friend. Small, thoughtful actions can make a significant impact, both personally and collectively.

If I help proofread my son or daughter’s assignment, I am making a meaningful contribution to their success. Similarly, if I notice a dirty table in the lunchroom at work and choose to clean it, even though it’s not my assigned task, I’m contributing to the well-being of my team and department.

While these examples may seem like every day, mundane tasks, contribution can be much more engaging and impactful. What if I told you that contributing could be fun and exciting, while also boosting team spirit within an organization? Contribution fosters a sense of purpose and belonging. When individuals are given opportunities to contribute, they experience the joy of giving back, paying it forward, and being part of a team working toward a shared goal. This can lead to a profound sense of accomplishment.

When an organization inspires employees to feel a sense of achievement and purpose through meaningful contributions, those employees feel valued. Valued employees are happier, more focused, and motivated to perform at their best. Increased focus and motivation naturally lead to improved productivity, creating a win-win for both the individual and the organization.

As mentioned earlier, creating a sense of contribution in the workplace can be simple and enjoyable. One effective example is establishing a ‘shoutout’ page where team members can publicly recognize each other’s great work. A specific shoutout from a peer highlights an individual’s effort and makes them feel valued.

Another creative approach involves encouraging employees to come up with fun, team-building ideas. For instance, some organizations use an ‘idea box’—a beautifully wrapped cardboard box with a slot at the top where employees can anonymously submit ideas on pre-cut pieces of paper. To make participation easy, pens and paper are provided near the box.

Some of the ideas generated are brilliant. I have witnessed first-hand how such generated ideas have brought employees together through activities like cultural lunches to celebrate diversity, team-based singing contests, or other engaging events. These activities don’t need to take much time—just an hour or two every month can create a camaraderie that boosts drive, willingness, and commitment. Everyone is included, everyone can contribute, and everyone has fun.

Beyond fostering a sense of belonging, these activities promote both personal and professional growth. Employees discover new skills, build relationships, and learn to support and collaborate with one another. In turn, the organization benefits from a motivated and inspired workforce. Contribution, in this way, breathes life and energy into the workplace.

This week, take a moment to reflect on a time when you made a small contribution. Perhaps you gave a shoutout to a co-worker on your workplace hub, left a surprise thank-you note on a desk, brought a cake to share with your team, or volunteered to create an Excel spreadsheet to streamline a task and improve workflow.

Once you’ve identified a moment, check in by answering the following questions: How did you feel during that experience? Did you feel a sense of belonging? Was it rewarding to give? Did you feel good about contributing to someone’s life or the team’s success?

Whatever you felt, take a moment to write down those feelings. Use them as a reminder of the joy, fulfillment, and connection that come from giving freely and contributing without expectations.

As you return to the present moment after your reflection, consider: What are you now willing to commit to in terms of contributions? In what ways do you feel inspired and able to contribute—whether to a friend, family member, co-worker, team, or organization?

Any contribution you choose to make freely, without expectations, is an act of going above and beyond. Over time, with consistent small practices, you may not even realize that your daily actions reflect a mindset of going above and beyond in your way of being.

In terms of the six human needs, you are fulfilling both the needs for growth and contribution, which are the final two needs that contribute to sustainable happiness.

If you want to learn more about the six human needs, check out my other videos that dive deeper into the other four primal human needs.

What I’ve shared with you today is only a small sample of my strategies to help you find balance and to maintain balance in life.

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Thank you for reading.

Till next time…

Find your flow. Find your freedom.

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If you missed our blogpost from last week on finding flow, be sure to click on the title to check it out: “Lessons in Resilience and Success from Legendary Boxer Mike Tyson.”

I also help my clients discover joy and find flow. If you feel there is anything that is holding you back in finding flow in your daily life — whether that may be leading and motivating your team at work, or taking your business to the next level, or it may be finding it challenging to go out and socialize — as your coach, I can provide a process that will connect you with your strengths and your true capacities to move forward.

If there’s something that you’d like to bring into your life, I’d like to help you!

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~ Audra ~