“I don’t think they realised what an impact they had…their voices are still in my head: The profound impact of attentive care on career meaningfulness and wellbeing”

Abstract

Care perspectives view individuals as primary relational with work as a means by which individuals can achieve career wellbeing. In this chapter theoretical understanding of the ethic of care is advanced using Heidegger’s philosophy of care. Heidegger argued care is at the heart of our being and essential to meaning in our relationships and ventures. Findings from empirical phenomenological research that explored subjective meanings of women’s career are used to show how an ethic of care caused an increase in career meaningfulness. Women spoke of the enduring significance of key people who showed them an ethic of care. Interactions with these key people did not involve structural interventions, nor did they necessarily occur over long periods; they were instinctive and extemporaneous. People who exercised an ethic of care showed awareness of need, concern for the other and a willingness to take responsibility. The objective of this chapter is to consider how career wellbeing in individuals and organisations can be improved by including care perspectives.