'Sociologists have a love–hate relationship with waged work. On the one hand, they love researching it; on the other hand, they too readily claim that this work is hateful because it lacks meaning. In this ground-breaking new book, Knut Laaser and Jan Ch. Karlsson seek to redress this imbalance, arguing, with supportive evidence, that meaning ought to be a central tenet in any theory of waged work.' Chris Warhurst, Warwick Institute for Employment Research

'Meaningful work is at the frontier of job design and social progress, but its potential has been neglected by sociologists of work. Laaser and Karlsson translate recent theoretical developments into a critical framework - for empirical inquiry, and practical application in private and public organisations. Their approach is convincing and successful, providing academics and practitioners with new tools for realising meaningfulness in the experience and structure of all kinds of work. Highly recommended.' Ruth Yeoman, Fellow, Kellogg College, University of Oxford

'Work has become central to public discourse. Laaser and Karlsson provide an innovative and insightful mapping of issues that will prove a valuable resource for anyone interested in this topical but contested terrain.' Paul Thompson, Emeritus Professor of Employment Studies, University of Stirling