The Real Crisis Is Loss of Meaning

Mardoche Sidor, MD and Karen Dubin, PhD, LCSW

May 27, 2026

People do not just burn out; rather, they disconnect. Many professionals continue functioning, but internally they feel less engaged and less connected to purpose. Meaningful work is associated with higher well-being and resilience. However, meaning depends on understanding, contribution, and alignment with values. When these are missing, motivation declines, and burnout accelerates.

People do not leave jobs; rather, they leave experiences that no longer feel meaningful.

On June 12, 2026, from 9-1pm (EDT), we will explore how to restore meaning in the workplace. If you feel your agency could benefit from this, we invite you to join us at our Workplace & Mental Health Virtual Conference

Mardoche Sidor, MD and Karen Dubin, PhD, LCSW

Karen and Mardoche are Co-Founders of, and the Main Facilitators at the SWEET Institute. They have more than 40 years of clinical practice in over 10 different practice settings. They have provided services from all levels of care, from line work to executive management, often doing both simultaneously, and have done work on the policy level and have reached communities nationally and internationally. They are both affiliated with Columbia University and are regular contributors to Psychology Today.