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Do spirituality and the workplace mix?

The disengaged workers I’ve encountered say they want to work in a place where they feel like they can give heart and soul, and managers say they want their employees to give heart and soul at work. So why isn’t it happening?

I have spent over 25 years training in all types and sizes of businesses and organizations. I’ve experienced the spectrum of attitudes and opinions about whether business, religion, and spirituality mix. Some see any reference to spirituality as an attempt to proselytize. One time I used the word, “mantra,” in context of a stress seminar, and was accused by several participants of pushing an “eastern religion.” I sometimes refer to Bible stories or examples, and I know I run the risk of being accused of preaching. (I was a minister for several years and have a B.A in Biblical Studies.)

Many people claim to be spiritual, but not religious. Some companies proudly claim they offer a work environment in which employees can tap into their spirituality, almost as if permission to do so is a perk of their employment.

In August of 2018, I was asked to speak at the Unity Center of Tulsa, OK about my experiences and insights of spirituality and the workplace. This Spirit of Leading podcast is the text of that presentation. I answer the question, but perhaps not the way you might expect.