Many people think their jobs are socially useless.

Many people think their jobs are socially useless.

The “Bullshit Jobs Theory” and the Perceived Uselessness of Work

Have you ever felt like your job is pointless? Well, it turns out that you’re not alone. A recent Swiss study, which delved into what has been dubbed the “bullshit jobs theory,” found that a significant number of employees feel that the work they do matters little to society. In fact, about 19% of employees reported rarely or never experiencing “a feeling of making a positive impact on community and society” or “the feeling of doing useful work.”

This phenomenon aligns with the theory put forth by the late American anthropologist David Graeber, who argued that some jobs are socially useless. However, according to the study leader, Simon Walo, a sociologist at the University of Zurich, employees’ assessment of whether their work is perceived as socially useless is a complex issue that needs to be approached from different angles. Factors such as unfavorable working conditions and poor management can contribute to a sense of pointlessness, even if the work itself has inherent value.

The study analyzed survey data from over 1,800 people working in the United States in 21 different types of jobs in 2015. Walo adjusted the data to compare workers with similar levels of routine work, job autonomy, and quality of management. Even after accounting for working conditions, Walo found that the nature of a person’s job still significantly influenced their perception of its usefulness.

Specifically, individuals working in business, finance, and sales were more than twice as likely to consider their jobs socially useless compared to workers in other fields. Office assistants and managers also expressed a higher likelihood of agreeing with this sentiment, although to a lesser extent. Private-sector jobs were perceived as more pointless than those in the nonprofit or public sectors.

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The study’s findings, published in the journal Work, Employment, and Society, provide quantitative evidence supporting the argument that the occupation itself can be decisive in the perceived pointlessness of work. This complements the qualitative evidence initially presented by Graeber, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the issue.

It’s important to note that perceived uselessness is not solely determined by the nature of the work itself. Other factors, such as alienation, unfavorable working conditions, and social interaction, also influence employees’ perceptions of their own work. Some researchers posit that individuals may consider their jobs useless not because of the importance of their work but due to its routine nature and lack of autonomy or good management.

Understanding the factors that contribute to the perceived pointlessness of certain jobs can help organizations and policymakers create more fulfilling and meaningful work environments. By addressing issues such as working conditions, management practices, and employee engagement, it may be possible to enhance the perception of usefulness in various occupations. Ultimately, fostering a sense of purpose and impact can lead to happier and more satisfied workers.

So, if you sometimes find yourself questioning the value of your job, remember that you are not alone. Reflecting on the underlying factors that contribute to this perception can help you identify potential areas for improvement. Additionally, organizations and society as a whole should strive to create work settings that promote a sense of purpose, allowing individuals to feel that their contributions truly matter.

More information

The University of Oxford has more on happy workers.

SOURCE: University of Zurich, news release, Aug. 2, 2023

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