1. Spirituality in the Workplace Problems and Possibilities

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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…”.

8. 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

9. Why is Spirituality in the Workplace
Why is Spirituality in the Workplace? Religion & Spirituality Are Different

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. Spiritual Value Congruence
Organizational spiritual values
Personal spiritual values =

15. 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.

16. 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

17. Spirituality at Work: Research Outcomes
Organizations that were described as more spiritual were also rated as showing greater:
Warmth
Flexibility
Caring
Ethics

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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)

21. 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

22. Spirituality at Work: Compatible Values and Goals?

23. 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

24. 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