“It Made It Very Real”: Awe as a Source of Meaning for Workforce Development Professionals

• In Event: Examining the Experiences of Career and Technical Education Teachers and Workforce Professionals

Abstract

This study explores how the emotion of awe contributes to meaning, motivation, and understanding among employees of a national workforce development nonprofit. Drawing on 78 qualitative survey responses, we identify common elicitors of awe and examine how these moments shape workers’ sense of purpose and professional affirmation. Awe was frequently associated with new perspectives, emotional renewal, and increased connection to the organization’s mission. Exploratory analysis suggests that awe experiences may vary by work modality and office culture, with interpersonal awe more common in hybrid and small-team settings. Findings underscore the potential of awe as a culture-enhancing emotion that can support workplace learning and well-being, especially in emotionally demanding, mission-aligned roles.

Authors

• Megan Powell Cuzzolino, Harvard University

• Jeffrey Bachman, Harvard University