Introduction. In recent times, profound socio-economic changes have altered the role of work in people's lives and raised the need to rethink the values guiding professional choices. While several theoretical models of work values exist, this study adopts a contemporary and situated perspective by collecting data to capture how people in Italy currently define and prioritize work values.
Purpose. The study qualitatively explores the values that individuals seek to realize through work in contemporary society, and compares the emerging categories with those identified in existing literature.
Method. A convenience sample of 589 participants completed an anonymous online questionnaire via social media and direct invitations. The survey included an open-ended question ("What purposes do you want to achieve through work?") and demographic information. The sample comprised 359 women (61.8%) and 222 men (38.2%), with a mean age of 38.7 years (SD = 13.81; range: 18-80). Most participants (75.9%) were employed, and nearly half (47.39%) held a permanent contract. Valid responses (N = 579) were analyzed using template analysis, adopting a subtle realist stance consistent with the study's exploratory aims.
Results. Six main categories of work values emerged: personal and professional fulfillment (n = 258), economic goals (n = 191), interpersonal goals (n = 124), identity building (n = 98), well-being (n = 89), and no goals (n = 7). These categories reflect both continuity with previous research and new emphases related to Italy's current socio-economic context.
Conclusions. The study shows that the categories of work values emerging from the data align with dimensions described in existing models, while their distribution provides a situated view of how people in Italy relate to work today. The results capture both continuity and change in the current socio-economic context and offer insights for practices and policies addressing workers' evolving priorities.