Why Money Alone Won't Replace the Need to Work

In Kenya's massive UBI experiment, 23,000 people receive unconditional monthly payments—the world's largest trial of its kind. Yet something unexpected is happening: many recipients are still actively seeking jobs.

This reality challenges a fundamental assumption behind Universal Basic Income. If money solves the problem of work, why do people keep looking for it?

Beyond the Paycheck

The Financial Times recently highlighted what UBI advocates often miss: jobs serve purposes that transcend financial compensation. Social scientists have long identified work's three core functions—economic reward, social identity, and a sense of belonging and purpose.

UBI addresses only the first.

Finland's2017-2018 basic income trial revealed similar patterns. While participants reported lower stress levels, many continued pursuing meaningful employment despite having their basic needs covered. The money problem was solved, but the human need for purpose remained.

This isn't unique to developed nations. In Kenya's ongoing experiment, researchers note that recipients often use their UBI payments to start small businesses or invest in skills training—essentially creating their own work opportunities.

The American Context

As automation threatens to displace millions of U.S. jobs, this distinction becomes crucial. Silicon Valley companies like Meta and Google are already experimenting with AI systems that could replace everything from customer service to content creation. The question isn't whether UBI might become necessary—it's whether it'll be sufficient.

Consider the 2020 pandemic stimulus payments. While they provided essential economic relief, surveys showed that many Americans felt disconnected and purposeless during extended lockdowns, even when financially supported. The absence of work-related social connections and daily structure took a psychological toll that money couldn't address.

Andrew Yang's presidential campaign popularized UBI in America, but even he acknowledges the challenge. "We need to redefine work," Yang argued, "not eliminate it."

Reimagining Work's Future

So what might post-UBI work look like? Some economists propose expanding "care work"—jobs in eldercare, childcare, mental health support, and community building that automation can't easily replicate. These roles often provide the social connection and sense of purpose that traditional employment offers.

Denmark is already experimenting with this approach through "social participation allowances"—payments tied to community engagement rather than unconditional handouts. Recipients contribute to local projects while receiving income support, maintaining the psychological benefits of productive work.

In the U.S., programs like AmeriCorps offer a glimpse of this model. Participants receive modest stipends while working on community development, education, and environmental projects. Exit surveys consistently show high satisfaction rates, with many citing personal fulfillment alongside financial benefits.

The Investment Implications

For investors, this nuance matters. Companies developing UBI-adjacent technologies—from digital payment platforms to community engagement apps—might find more success by addressing work's social functions, not just its economic ones.

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has invested heavily in "stakeholder capitalism" initiatives that create meaningful work opportunities alongside profit. This approach recognizes that sustainable business models must account for human psychology, not just economic efficiency.

The market for "purpose-driven" employment platforms is already emerging. Companies like VolunteerHub and JustServe connect people with meaningful work opportunities, suggesting demand for non-traditional employment structures.