Spirituality in the Workplace Problems and Possibilities

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

Why is Spirituality in the Workplace?

Religion & Spirituality Are Different

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 Value CongruenceOrganizational spiritual

valuesPersonal spiritual values

=

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:Compatible Values and Goals?

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

Spirituality at Work:A New Way to Manage

Possibilities

• Positive link between individual and corporate spiritual growth

• Benefits to society and the environment

• Re-focus on the positive development of people