Workplace Spirituality The definition of the word spirituality may be different from one person to another.

However, what remains the same is the fact that it is a significant factor that a company must consider in order to foster a favorable workplace for their employees. With the growing interest on spirituality in the workplace, todays generation of employees have been asking more frequently questions about their sense of purpose and meaning in the company (Guillory, 2001). This has been brought about by social and economic factors such as downsizing, mergers, increased job dissatisfaction, unethical corporate behavior, and increased employee stress. Organizations address this issue by conducting simple activities that encourage spirituality among employees. For instance, they facilitate interaction among employees in order to reduce stress and increase motivation. Human are social beings, therefore, allowing them to socialize gives them the avenue to express themselves. Moreover, they should not only socialize with co-workers but also with the top management. This can be done by making them aware that the top managers are listening to both their suggestions or ideas and complaints or negative reactions (Litzsey, 2006). Another approach is to implement programs that provide a balance between work and family. In fact, this was identified by Burack (as cited in Litzsey, 2006) as one of the three concepts to define workplace spirituality. According to Burack, spirituality of an individual can be nurtured if individual needs, especially belonging needs and higher order needs, are satisfied. One of these needs include a connection between work and family. It is undeniable that integrating spirituality in the workplace is beneficial to a company. Wong (as cited in Litzsey, 2006) stated that it increases employee morale and productivity. In addition, a few of the other benefits include increased profits, less absenteeism, increased commitment, and better team performance. Generally, it has a positive effect on organizational culture. In support of this idea, a study by Garcia-Zamor (as cited in Lowder, 2005) showed a high level of correlation between workplace spirituality and organizational performance (Mehta & Srishti, 2010). In terms of behavior and culture, it is also observed that employees who are more spiritual usually have more positive attitudes and are less affected by work stressors. This leads to a more positive work environment for all employees.

Employees also benefit in higher spirituality because they tend to be more physically healthy. In turn, this allows them to perform their job better. A study by Connolly and Myers (as cited in Lowder, 2006) showed a strong positive correlation between health wellness and job satisfaction. Based on the aforementioned benefits, workplace spirituality is indeed beneficial to organizations. Thus, there is no reason why companies would not integrate it into their system. Not only will performance be maximized but it will also bring the company to success.

References Guillory, William A., Ph.D. "Diversity in the Workplace - Leading Association for Diversity Conferences and Collaboration." Diversity in the Workplace - Leading Association for Diversity Conferences and Collaboration. N.p., Mar. 2011. Web. 26 Aug. 2013. <http://workforcediversitynetwork.com/res_articles_spirituality_guillory.aspx>. Litzsey, Charlene. "Spirituality in the Workplae and the Implications for Employees and Organizations." Diss. Southern Illinois University Carbondale, 2006. Web. 26 Aug. 2013. <http://wed.siu.edu/Public1/department/research_template.pdf>. Mehta, Yogesh, and Srishti Joshi. "Impact of Workplace Spirituality on Organization Culture through Improved Employee Productivity | Yogesh Mehta - Academia.edu."Academia.edu. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Aug. 2013. <http://www.academia.edu/636601/Impact_of_Workplace_Spirituality_on_Organization_Culture _through_Improved_Employee_Productivity>. Lowder, Tim. "A Ghost in the Machine: The Important Role of Workplace Spirituality | Tim Lowder Academia.edu." Diss. 2005. Academia.edu. Web. 26 Aug. 2013. <http://www.academia.edu/948792/A_Ghost_in_the_Machine_The_Important_Role_of_Workpla ce_Spirituality>.