Spirituality in the Workplace Problems and Possibilities.
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Spirituality in the Workplace
Both Tyson Foods and Pilgrims Pride, poultry and meat producers, offer chaplain services to
their employees.
Tyson’s statement of core values reads in part:
We strive to be a faith-friendly company
and
We strive to honor God in all of our relationships
Spirituality in the Workplace
ServiceMaster Co., parent of ChemLawn and Terminix, proudly proclaims its first business
objective is to:
Honor God in all we do
Spirituality in the Workplace
Chick-Fil-A restaurants and Hobby Lobby retail outlets will not open on Sunday so employees
may observe a religious day of rest
Spirituality in the Workplace
Alaska, the ninth largest commercial air carrier in the country, includes cards with readings
from the Psalms with all in-flight meals.
“I felt restless to do something for Christ,” says former President Bruce Kennedy.
Spirituality in the Workplace
In-N-Out, a chain of convenience stores popular in Southern California, prints Bible
passages on its sandwich wrappers and soda cups.
“My love of Jesus is greater than my fear of what people will say,” says owner Rich Snyder.
Spirituality in the Workplace
The corporate mission statement for Interstate Batteries, the leading replacement battery
manufacturer in North America, reads:
“To glorify God as we supply our customers worldwide with top quality, value-priced
batteries…”.
Why is Spirituality in the Workplace?
Polls Show We Believe
• 95% assert a strong belief in God or a Higher Power
• 82% say they would like to experience further spiritual growth
• 76% describe themselves as religious and spiritual
• 80% believe the universe was created by God
Research: How Do People Define Spirituality?
Gallup and Jones (2000)
• a better relationship with Jesus Christ
• being in touch with God and His teachings
• a calmness in my life
• the essence of my personal being
• the evolution of my whole spirit
Research: How Do People Define Spirituality?
Mahoney & Garci (1999)
• less than one-third respondents stated
that spirituality involves a belief in God
• spirituality involves: forgiveness,compassion, connectedness, hopefulness, meaning and purpose in life
Facets of Personal Spirituality
• Sense of transcendence
• Search for meaning and purpose in life
• Relationship with a Higher Power
• Focus on nature
• Deep belief in human potential for positive growth
What Makes an Organization Spiritual?
• A culture, practices, policies and procedures that reflect spiritual values– Meaning and Purpose– Wholeness– Forgiveness– Compassion– Gratitude– Humility– Appreciation and Acceptance
Purpose
Beyond
Profit
Spiritual Expression at WorkSpirituality is the daily integration and application
of deeply help values
When making work related decisions, I am often guided by my sense of spirituality.
My interactions with others at work are often influenced by my spirituality.
When I am at work, I don’t mind talking about my spirituality with others.
My attitudes and behaviors at work are influenced by my spirituality.
Spirituality at Work:Proposed Benefits
• Creativity • Innovation• Teamwork• Individual resilience• Loyalty• Communication• Ethical behavior• Self-reliance,
renewal
• Organizational commitment
• Personal growth• Expression of talent• Motivation, energy• Interpersonal
relationships• Conflict resolution• Collective harmony
Spirituality at Work:Research Outcomes
Organizations that were described as more spiritual were also rated as
showing greater:– Warmth– Flexibility– Caring– Ethics
Spirituality at Work:Research Outcomes
Spiritual Well-Being was related to:
• greater commitment to the organization
• increased individual self-efficacy
• greater willingness to cooperate, grow, learn and adapt to challenges
Spirituality at Work:A New Way to Manage
Organizational Spiritual Values
Purpose Beyond Profit
Transcendent Goals
Recognition of Connectedness
Expression and Practice of Personal Spiritual Values
Personal Spiritual Values
Self-awareness
Trust, Acceptance
Humility, Kindness
Compassion, Forgiveness
Balance, Wholeness
Meaning, Purpose
Connectedness
Spirituality at Work:A New Way to Manage
Organizational Support for Spiritual Development
Programs to increase awareness
Opportunities to share spiritual values (e.g., spiritual teambuilding)
Spiritual leadership training
Structured activities (e.g., yoga, TM training, prayer groups, guest speakers, community
involvement)
Spirituality at Work:A New Way to Manage
Passive Encouragement Active Promotion
Greater Org. Involvement, Control & Benefit
Individual Expression
Small Group Activity
Sponsored Programs
Spirituality at Work:A New Way to Manage
Problems:
• More theory and research needed
• Spirituality as a source of conflict or discrimination
• Spirituality becomes a form of management control
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