Mission without margin: what for-profit HR can learn from nonprofits about engagement

Purpose This paper aims to explores how nonprofit organizations drive engagement beyond financial incentives and how these approaches can inform for-profit HR strategy. Design/methodology/approach A conceptual, practitioner-focused framework is developed by integrating organizational behavior insights with cross-sector observations. Mini-cases from aviation and health care illustrate application. Findings Three key drivers – meaning, identity and ownership – emerge as critical levers for improving engagement, commitment and resilience without increased financial investment. Originality/value The paper reframes engagement as a function of work design rather than incentives and provides a practical model for HR leaders to apply across contexts.