Spirituality in workplace or workplace spirituality is a widely discussed topic among the business as well as the religious world. As the discussion of this topic is growing, one can find various debates going on as to what exactly the term “Spirituality” means. It has lead t to different perceptions and attempts to define spirituality on the basis of the very strong personal nature of the word. It is still argumentative that whether one should encourage spirituality in organizations and who will get the true benefit of it. However, it is to be noted that many modern organizations are planning to and still implementing spirituality- based culture within firms. Regarding this fact, it would be better for one to recollect the words of the Nobel Prize winning French Novelist, Essayist and Playwright, Albert Camus when he said: “Without work, all life goes rotten. But when work is soulless, life stifles and dies” (Albert Camus quotes). This underlines the significance of spirituality in workplace. As spirituality is a controversial topic, one needs much care and attention when evaluating the role of spirituality in workplace. Therefore, the purpose of this study id to explore what workplace spirituality means how one can implement it in one’s work environment.
Many modern articles have identified the growing interest of the corporate world in spirituality. This probably leads to the question “Why is there such an increased interest in workplace spirituality?” (Krishnakumar & Neck 153). One possible answer to this question can be found when Neck and Milliman wrote thus; “…as society has advanced in terms of leisure time, technology and communication of ideas, people increasingly desire to experience spirituality not only in their personal lives, but also in their work where they spend a large amount of time” (Krishnakumar & Neck 153). It makes clear the fact that man is always in need of something to depend on. Some researchers are of the opinion that spirituality will enhance the creativity of the individuals, thus by leading to the benefits of the organization (Freshman). The other features of implementing spirituality in an organization involves the increased honesty and trust within the organization (Wagner-Marsh & Conely), enhanced sense of personal fulfillment of employees (Burack), and increased sense of personal fulfillment of employees (Delbecq ). However, while analyzing the different perceptions of spirituality one may feel that it has an elite role in promoting or assuring a better business environment.
Defining the meaning of workplace spirituality is a difficult task. Anyhow, one may have to agree with the views points of the majority who believe that spirituality is something originating from the inside of the individual (Krishnakumar & Neck 153). Still some others are of the view that spirituality is tied to one’s religious affliction (Krishnakumar & Neck 153). When attempting to define workplace spirituality, the researcher agrees with Mitroff and Denton who notably remarked that workplace spirituality involves the effort to find one’s ultimate purpose in life, to develop a strong connection to coworkers and other people associated with work, and to have consistency (or alignment) between one’s core beliefs and the values of their organizations (Milliman, Czaplewski & Ferguson, 2002). This statement also points to the importance of spirituality in work place.
When regarding how to implement spirituality in workplace, the researcher has the following perceptions. It has been already stated that workplace spirituality can motivate the workers in an organization and can be effectively used for its benefit. It can implement among the workers by including spirituality programs in their in-service programs, workshops, and the like. It would be better if sufficient packages and courses are included for those who believe different religions and providing them sufficient facilities to meet their spiritual needs. Conducting various programs related with spirituality within the organizations may also promote better working environment, and ultimately leading the organizations to attain their goals. As it has been perceived that spirituality is breeding awareness and creativity, organizing various awareness programs will also take effect. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of the employers to assure the happiness and satisfaction of their employees. For acquiring happiness and satisfaction in the workplace, spirituality can certainly exert a tremendous role.
In short, it is to be noted that workplace spirituality is an essential factor in attaining organizational goals and assuring better business environments. Spirituality in the workplace can stimulate the employees by providing or improving problem solving capabilities, promoting better mental health, and improving a person as a whole. It is worth noticing that majority of the religions in the world are encouraging hard work and stress on the happiness it provides in one’s life.