Impartial Intergenerational Beneficence as a Source of Work Meaningfulness

Living a meaningful life is a fundamental human drive and work often shapes this experience. While modern challenges can erode workplace meaningfulness, individuals may find fulfillment by linking their careers to broader societal contributions. Across three studies, we examine a psychological pathway to workplace meaningfulness and job satisfaction: impartial intergenerational beneficence (IIB; i.e., high concern for the welfare of all future generations) and legacy motivation. Study 1 (N=973) shows that undergraduates who endorse IIB are more likely to pursue careers benefiting future generations, with legacy concerns mediating this link. Study 2 (N=795) finds that professionals with greater intergenerational concern report higher job satisfaction via legacy motivation and work meaningfulness. Finally, a pre-registered experiment (Study 3; N=1,240) demonstrates that reflecting on one’s intergenerational impact increases legacy motivation, meaningfulness, and, in turn, job satisfaction. Findings highlight prosocial, future-oriented framing as a psychological anchor for sustaining workplace meaningfulness amid uncertainty.