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 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 Congruence Organizational spiritual values Personal spiritual values =

Spiritual Expression at Work Spirituality 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 Spiritual well-being:an indication of the satisfaction with one’s life and a perception of life as having meaning and ultimate purpose Sample: 184 employees at construction and engineering firm were surveyed Self-efficacy is the perceived capacity to achieve success in situations of ambiguity and chaos

Spirituality at Work: A New Way to Manage Personal Spiritual Values Self-awareness Trust, Acceptance Humility, Kindness Compassion, Forgiveness Balance, Wholeness Meaning, Purpose Connectedness Organizational Spiritual Values Purpose Beyond Profit Transcendent Goals Recognition of Connectedness Expression and Practice of Personal Spiritual Values

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 Individual Expression Small Group Activity The organization can vary its degree of involvement Certain people can choose to express their spirituality “privately” in the work setting, taking a break to pray or meditate As SaW becomes less private, it may take the form of small group activity, which will probably be sanctioned by the organization At this point the org may need to begin to set boundaries and limitations; infringement of rights of spiritual minorities or the non-spiritual becomes an issue The org can actively promote the expression of spirituality, and incorporate spiritual values as its own; training programs, etc. might be evident here; this has the potential to change the culture, and provide the most benefit to the org) e.g., a more ethical org, aligned workforce, etc) Of course, the greater the involvement and control, the greater the potential for conflict Sponsored Programs Greater Org. Involvement, Control & Benefit

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