“What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)
We cannot help but take our faith to work. It is part of who we are, and underlines what we believe is right, fair, and good based on God's Word and His Will.
Everyone decides what to do and say, and how to do and say it based upon their values. Our values come from our God, who loves us beyond measure and guides us as we walk with Him. Our values, how we value others, and show these values are critical to strong workplace culture. How would you evaluate the culture in your workplace?
To evaluate something, we need to first define it. According to Forbes,
"Culture is the environment that surrounds us all the time. Workplace culture is the shared values, belief systems, attitudes, and the set of assumptions that people in a workplace share. This is shaped by individual upbringing, social and cultural context. In a workplace, however, the leadership and the strategic organizational directions and management influence the workplace culture to a huge extent. A positive workplace culture improves teamwork, raises morale, increases productivity and efficiency, and enhances retention of the workforce. Job satisfaction, collaboration, and work performance are all enhanced. And most importantly, a positive work environment reduces stress in employees.”
https://www.forbes.com/sites/pragyaagarwaleurope/2018/08/29/how-to-create-a-positive-work-place-culture/?sh=3f53a6004272
As you read this definition of work culture, what thoughts come to mind as you evaluate your workplace? Consider the following 10 things:
Values & Belief Systems: Do people share the same values and belief systems? We may have different belief systems, but the company's core mission should be the same for everyone.
Good Attitudes: Do people, for the most part, demonstrate good attitudes? Remember, we all have occasional bad days!
Set of Assumptions: Can everyone at work make certain assumptions? Are they clear in what they need to do? Are they confident that thought and strategy have gone into decision-making and are supported and valued?
Positive Workplace Environment: Would you say you have a positive work environment? Again, we all have some bad days.
Good Morale: There are always some tense or difficult times, but getting through these together as a team can actually boost morale if we have that focus.
Low Turnover: Consider why people leave? Is it because they do not like working at your company or because of a totally different reason? They may be starting their own business, family reasons, or other opportunities they are interested in.
Productivity & Efficiency: Having good policies and procedures based on strategy and input will facilitate this.
Good Job Satisfaction: This may mean different things to different people, and it is essential to know what they are each of your staff.
Collaboration & Work Performance: When there is a difference of opinion (otherwise known as conflict), would you say collaboration is an essential strategy? Conflict is not necessarily bad but can lead to great ideas and enhanced work performance as people discuss their ideas.
Stress Reduction: There is always a certain amount of stress in the workplace that can be positive or negative. The key is having strategies to note if this is increasing and how to manage it.
According to Jessica Rohman of the Great Place to Work Institute, the key to success is to not confuse "great culture" with "perks." While perks are nice, she says, they're not at the heart of what constitutes a positive company culture. Rather, a "great" place to work is one where "employees trust their leaders, have pride in the work they do and enjoy the people they work with."
Over the next few weeks, we will discuss work culture, and how taking Micah 6:8 to work will influence your work culture in a way which honors God and blesses others.
Have a great week. God Bless!
Bonny, Christian Women at Work
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