Senses and meanings of work for public employees of the Federal University of Santa Catarina

The senses and meanings of work are the way individuals, from their experiences and perceptions, understand their work activity. This article aims to identify the senses and meanings of work for professors and technical-administrative employees of the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC). This research is a qualitative and descriptive. Was used an online questionnaire, involving 151 public employees from the UFSC. Through content analysis the data were systematized into three categories of analysis, which represent the senses and meanings attributed to the work by the participants. At the positive pole, the work was mainly related to a social function, to the pride of the institution, to liking what is done and the possibility of professional and/or personal growth. While the instrumental sense was highlighted those, who relate the work to salary and stability. Finally, in the negative pole the work is understood as disappointment, sickness, demotivation and burden. These meanings can influence the commitment, adherence and the work of the worker. Therefore, it’s up to the management to observe and develop strategies to minimize instrumental and negative senses and meanings.

Key words: Sense and meaning; Work; University