Text by Elyse Go | Photo by Bernard Testa | InterAksyon Lifestyle Section Wednesday, March 4, 2015 8:15 am

Corporate retreats help strengthen the bond of the team and help individuals review the values important in their personal and work life. Photo by Bernard Testa, InterAksyon.com.

Spirituality is the way we relate to God and the Divine, defines Fr. Aristotle Dy SJ, Ph.D.,a member of the Society of Jesus and currently the School President of Xavier School.

The workplace and business world can be very competitive, profit and results driven, as if these are the most essential things in the world. But there are times when focusing on work alone leads one to ask about the meaning and purpose of life. People bring their entire self to worknot just the body, but mind and spirit as well. It is normal for people to seek a sense of security in their work, not only in terms of their job but perhaps in their level of happiness, morale, and connection with their team and the other individuals they face at work.

It is apparent, he adds, that promoting spirituality in the workplace has a lot of positive effects on the individual and as a team, including building a sense of community, cultivating compassion for others, strengthening values, providing a support system especially for those coping with personal trials such as grieving or those who have to care for sick members of the family.

Staying connected with our spiritual life will keep us grounded and always be reminded of the value of life and important values such as honesty, loving our neighbors, and many other important traits that will make the workplace a positive environment.

Fr. Ari gives some suggestions on how to incorporate spirituality in the workplace through activities that are spiritual in nature and can benefit all but goes beyond particular religion.Though these are faith-based, it should also encourage diversity and respect for others.

These activities need not follow particular religious traditions, but can be more generic so that those who belong to the minority do not feel left out, Fr. Ari shared.

1. Organize special talks or activities. As an example, Fr. Ari suggests organizing talks and activities on the last day before the Holy Week break. Organizing special talks may actually be done at any time for a particular topic or perhaps before any special religious commemoration. The talk may not necessarily be an elaborate gathering, it could be an intimate lunch or after-work meeting of like-minded people who are willing to share their faith beliefs, reflections, and practices.

2. Investment in a place for worship or meditation. Fr. Ari shares that some companies have invested in building Catholic chapels within the company premise and hold regular Masses. Though people are not required to attend the rites, attendance is actually quite high and shows that it addresses a particular need and desire among employees.It may not necessarily even have to be a chapel but a prayer or meditation room wherepeople can go for refuge and for praying.

See the article here:

WORK LIFE | Promoting spirituality in the workplace nurtures bonds, builds values