Spirituality in the workplace is a difficult topic. Many are inhibited from discussion by the cultural attitude that it is wrong to impose one’s values on another. Churches don’t help much, contends Chicago publisher Gregory F. A. Pierce. Classical Christian spiritual writings frequently portray work as a punishment and recommend avoiding entanglement in worldly affairs. While admitting the value of classical spiritual writings, he looks in vain for advice on the 90 percent of his waking hours spent on work, community and in the home.
At the same time, business bookshelves display an interest in the topic. They are filled with books on ethics, the latest formula for achieving personal growth, and fostering ethics in the workplace.
Pierce, in his book Spirituality@Work and its companion small group discussion guide, suggests that, to find a proper role, spirituality of the workplace must help to answer some basic questions:
• What is the meaning of work?
• How should we deal with others at work?
• How do we balance work with the rest of life?
• How do we determine what is right and wrong?
• How do we maintain – and sometimes change the workplace?
Pierce starts from the premise that work is both creative and a service to others; it is an attempt to bring God’s wishes into the world. This premise allows him to establish some guidelines for the appropriate practices of spirituality in the workplace. A practice is deemed appropriate if it enhances – or at a minimum does not detract from – creativity and service. For example, forming a bible (or UVA football) discussion group while “on the clock” would be inappropriate because it detracts from service. Pierce does not keep his spirituality hidden, or apologize for it, he simply advocates that some spiritual practices are more appropriate when “off the clock”.
Pierce suggests ten appropriate spiritual practices, or disciplines, that are highly appropriate. Properly done, they raise the practitioner’s consciousness of divine presence and increase commitment to make the world a better place.
The first five of these disciplines are ones that we can readily agree that we – and others - should practice.
1. Decorating the workstation with personal reminders of our values and beliefs. These need not be overtly religious objects such as icons. They may be unobtrusive and uniquely personal in meaning. For example, when I wear my Kiwanis pin, I’m reminded of my father and of my friendship with a group of men and women dedicated to community service.
2. Living with imperfection. We all make errors. Many errors can interfere with our service and be a cause of harm to others. The effort to eliminate all errors by striving for perfection can, however, prevent us from completing tasks on time – or at all.
3. Striving for quality. Even though many firms strive for quality, few view it as a spiritual practice that enhances the service provided.
4. Giving thanks and congratulations. Incentive programs become spiritual when they move beyond productivity enhancement to a goal of recognizing the dignity and value of every employee.
5. Building community through welcoming and support. Involvement in the surrounding community is one way of enhancing service.
The next five disciplines are more challenging.
6. Practicing the Golden Rule (Mt. 7:12).
7. Discerning how much is enough. At some point each of us has enough money and success and has done enough work for the day. Many firms fail because they attempt to do too much.
8. Finding balance among work, family, community and church. While some of us become “workoholics”, others can lose their balance by allowing church or community to claim more than its proper share of time.
9. Making the “system” work. As I discussed in my May 26th column, institutions can lose sight of their purpose, go into a state of denial and become destructive. A spirituality of work may require that we challenge our employers or colleagues.
10. Ongoing balanced self-renewal. There is a management parable about the logger who would not take time to sharpen the saw, even though the dull saw blade decreased productivity. Taking time to “sharpen our saw” through training is an essential part of spirituality of work. Taking time for meditation – and play – provides the balance and self-awareness required to practice the other nine disciplines.
