The Origins of Ikigai XR: Defining Our Purpose

What’s in a name? Well, the origins of Ikigai XR is the culmination of years finding our way to defining our purpose leading to Ikigai XR and starting our journey to Ikigai.

In today’s fast-paced and often fragmented world, achieving balance between work and life feels increasingly elusive. At Ikigai XR, we believe this balance is not just possible but essential for building resilience and unlocking potential. Our mission is to support individuals and organisations in finding their ikigai – that unique point where passion, purpose, vocation, and profession intersect.

To achieve this, we align three interrelated and interconnected foundational principles:

  1. Work, Life, Balance
  2. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
  3. Ikigai

These principles are further complemented by emerging external frameworks, such as Industry 5.0’s human-centred approach, and supported by regulations like ISO 45003 for worker well-being. Together, they form a holistic model for personal and professional growth, guiding individuals and organisations on a transformative journey.

The Three Foundational Principles

1. Work, Life, Balance

At Ikigai XR, we framework, life, and balance as interconnected spheres:

By viewing these spheres as overlapping rather than separate, we enable individuals to build resilience and live more fulfilling lives.

2. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow’s theory underpins our approach by highlighting the progression from basic needs to self-actualisation. Here’s how it connects to Work, Life, Balance:

3. Ikigai: The Centrepiece

Ikigai is the ultimate expression of balance and purpose. By helping individuals identify what they love, what they are good at, what the world needs, and what they can be paid for, we create a framework that bridges personal and professional growth.

External Frameworks and Supporting Elements

Industry 5.0: Putting the Worker at the Centre

As members of the Industry 5.0 Community of Practice, we champion its principles of human-centric innovation. Industry 5.0 emphasises:

By aligning with Industry 5.0, we ensure our framework remains relevant and impactful, fostering environments where people thrive.

ISO 45003: Psychological Safety in the Workplace

ISO 45003 is a cornerstone of our approach, offering a structured way to manage psychological health and safety. It complements our mission by:

Government Programs: Saudi Vision 2030 and Beyond

In regions like the Middle East, programs such as Saudi Vision 2030 emphasise worker-centric innovation and sustainable development. This initiative aligns with Ikigai XR’s mission by:

Similarly, in the UK, mental health initiatives such as the “Thriving at Work” report demonstrate government commitment to enhancing workplace well-being. By leveraging these programs, Ikigai XR supports organisations in creating environments that enable employees to thrive.

Building Resilience: The Key to Thriving

Resilience is at the core of our philosophy and is a critical skill in today’s fast-changing world. While mental health, wellness, and well-being receive much-needed attention, resilience is often overlooked despite being an essential foundation for thriving amidst challenges.

Understanding and building resilience is deeply personal. It’s about learning to navigate setbacks, adapt to change, and emerge stronger. As Nelson Mandela famously said, “I never lose. I either win or learn.” This mindset highlights the transformative power of viewing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than failures.

At Ikigai XR, we encourage individuals and organisations to build a resilience toolkit – a practical resource for managing adversity and turning it into a learning experience. This includes:

Building resilience doesn’t mean ignoring difficulties but rather facing them head-on with confidence and support. By fostering resilience alongside mental health and wellness, individuals and organisations can create environments that thrive even in the face of adversity.

Case Studies and Inspiration

Suncor Energy: A Holistic Approach to Mental Health

Background: Suncor Energy, a global leader in oil sands development and petroleum refining, employs over 13,000 people worldwide. Recognising the high-stress nature of their industry, Suncor implemented “The Working Mind” (TWM) training program to promote mental health and reduce stigma in the workplace.

Initiative: Starting in 2019, Suncor piloted TWM training with leadership teams, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback. This evidence-based program was later expanded to include broader employee groups.

Results: To date, 728 leaders have completed TWM training, fostering a cultural shift towards human-centric leadership and psychological safety. Employees report increased openness and improved interactions, reflecting a stronger sense of trust and well-being (source).

Shell: Embedding Mental Health in High-Risk Operations

Background: Shell, a multinational energy company, operates in complex, high-risk environments that demand robust mental health support for employees.

Initiative: Shell developed a comprehensive mental health framework, providing training for managers, promoting open discussions, and ensuring access to professional support services.

Results: The program has significantly improved workplace culture, leading to higher utilisation of support resources and proactive mental health management. Shell’s approach aligns with ISO 45003 principles, demonstrating the impact of structured well-being initiatives on employee resilience and productivity.

Research and Supporting Statistics

Key notes

Conclusion

By aligning Work, Life, Balance with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and ikigai, supported by frameworks like Industry 5.0 and ISO 45003, Ikigai XR offers a comprehensive pathway to transformation. Together, we can create environments where people flourish, organisations excel, and resilience becomes the foundation of success.

Let’s build a future where balance isn’t just a goal – it’s a way of life.