Storytelling: Building Culture and Purpose
- Vanessa Murphy
- Jul 29
- 1 min read
Stories humanise abstract concepts. They move company values off the posters on the wall and bring them to life in the everyday experience of work.
A 2021 Pew Research Center study found that work is the second-most common source of meaning in people’s lives. Yet, according to research, only 33% of entry-level employees feel connected to that sense of purpose.
That gap isn’t just a communication issue ..... it might just be a storytelling one.
The way we introduce change, deliver onboarding, recognise people, and run events all contributes to how employees understand their role and the bigger picture. Every interaction either reinforces meaning or erodes it. When we take the time to explain the “why” behind what we’re doing and share the thinking, intention or values that shaped a decision we create opportunities for people to connect. We build trust and we help everyday tasks feel like they matter.
You don’t need a perfectly worded script or a formal communications plan. You just need to start with a simple question: Why are we doing this?
Then tell that story in a way that’s honest and clear. People want to feel part of something and storytelling is how we help them see that they already are.
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