The spiritual workplace

Have we noticed that the number of management books on “workplace spirituality” has grown tremendously over the past 30 years, along with an equal increase in conference papers and symposia talks on this subject across continents?

- UPASANA CHATTERJEE

The question that arises is ‘Why is there such an intensified curiosity to learn the nuances of spirituality that can be practised in professional life and the workplace’?

In the sleek boardrooms and bustling hallways of corporate establishments, a maze of intricacies hides beneath the shiny veneer. Navigating through the treacherous waters of modern business is like walking on thin ice; entry-level executives to Csuite personnel often get tangled in the intricate web of hierarchies or oppressive bureaucracy, stifling creative freedom that often takes an unholy route of grabbing-the- glory from others or shifting accountability on to the next shoulder.

Real-doers often lose their voice in the crowd; this endless loop of decision-making quandaries leaves them disengaged with a distorted perception of the original objective. In this fast-paced and complex world of the 21st century, many individuals seek a philosophy that can offer solace, purpose, and guidance. This can be one of the biggest reasons why individuals are increasingly looking to gain knowledge offering answers to both their personal and professional lives.

To reconcile one's personal beliefs with professional aims, today’s corporate professionals are increasingly putting importance on gaining spiritual consciousness that can be implemented in their professional atmosphere. This entails contemplating one's life and discovering its purpose through introspection, interacting with others around one, and transcending oneself by serving others.