The Power of Purpose

Everyone asks about the "why."

Why are we doing what we’re doing? Why do you get up every morning to make these calls? What pushes you to want to be your best?

The "why" is important. Knowing the "why" of your employees (if they care to share it) is also important. You can support your people by ensuring that their "why" is taken care of.

A great example can be found with my wife. She was a teacher for 8 years. In the beginning, she loved teaching and the children. But—as we all know—life changes when you have children. They become your "why." They become the priority over everything.

When my wife’s principal made it clear that taking time for her child’s field trip was frowned upon because her students would “suffer” for just one day, she was done. She had not used all her allotted days and had given plenty of notice. That one day in May, when school and finals were over, marked the end of her teaching career because her principal didn’t recognize her "why."

The moral of the story is: if you value your employees, value their "why."

The Power of Purpose: How 'Why' Transforms the Workplace

In manufacturing and metal fabrication, the daily grind can sometimes feel like just that—a grind. But here’s the thing: when people understand why their work matters, they show up differently. They engage more deeply. And that’s the difference between a team that’s just clocking in and one that’s truly invested in the success of the company.

At Swiftemp, we believe in more than just placing candidates in roles—we’re about connecting people to jobs that matter to them. And when people care, they don’t just do the work, they own it. If your people don’t know why what they’re doing matters, they’ll lose sight of the goal. Whether it’s a machinist producing key components or a welder putting the final touches on a product, they need to understand how their work fits into the bigger picture. If you’re not telling them how their effort drives the success of the company, you’re missing an opportunity. At Swiftemp, we take the time to understand not just what you need, but how your company works—so when we place candidates, they’re ready to hit the ground running, knowing their role in the overall mission.

We’re all wired to respond to recognition. When employees feel seen and valued, they’ll go the extra mile. Whether it’s reaching a production goal or improving a process, you’ve got to highlight those moments. Celebrating success—no matter how small—builds momentum. At Swiftemp, we’re all about making sure the people we place know their hard work is going to be recognized. Because when people feel like their efforts matter, they give more, and that’s a win for everyone.

Meaning comes from progress. If your people don’t see a future with your company, they’re not going to stick around. That’s just the truth. Give them opportunities to grow—whether it’s through training, mentorship, or a clear path to advancement—and you’ll find they’re more invested in the work. At Swiftemp, we place people where there’s room to grow. It’s not just about filling a position for today; it’s about matching people with companies where they can see themselves building a future.

Everyone has a "why." Whether it’s family, personal growth, or simply being great at what they do, understanding the deeper motivations of your people is crucial. And when you support their "why," they’ll give you more than just their time—they’ll give you their commitment. My wife’s story is a perfect example: when her principal didn’t recognize that her family had become her "why," it was the end of the road for her. Don’t make that mistake with your team. At Swiftemp, we work hard to match the right people with the right roles, ensuring their "why" is supported.

In this industry, we all know efficiency and output matter—but never underestimate the power of purpose. When your employees understand why their work matters, they’ll show up with more energy, more focus, and more drive. At Swiftemp, we make sure we’re placing people who not only have the skills but are driven by something deeper. Helping employees connect their daily tasks to a bigger purpose isn’t just good for them—it’s good for your business.

Let’s make sure your team feels that connection. When your people are aligned with their "why," they don’t just come to work—they come to win.

Let’s Do Some History

• 1960 – First Televised U.S. Presidential Debate: John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon participated in the first-ever televised presidential debate, which had a significant impact on the election outcome.

• 1983 – The Soviet Nuclear False Alarm Incident: Soviet officer Stanislav Petrov averted a potential nuclear war by correctly identifying a computer error as a false alarm when the system incorrectly reported incoming U.S. missiles.

• 1815 – Creation of the Holy Alliance: Austria, Prussia, and Russia formed the Holy Alliance after the defeat of Napoleon, aiming to preserve conservative monarchies in Europe.

• 1907 – New Zealand Gains Dominion Status: New Zealand was proclaimed a Dominion, gaining more autonomy from British rule while remaining part of the British Empire.

• 1580 – Sir Francis Drake Completes His Circumnavigation of the Globe: English explorer Sir Francis Drake arrived back in England after successfully completing his famous circumnavigation of the world, which began in 1577.