Faith in the Workplace

Recently I received a request to be on an upcoming panel for an adult faith formation program in my parish called Catholic Q&A.  The topic is going to be "Faith in the Workplace." This is actually something that I've given more than a small amount of time to thinking about.  I'll be participating this Friday evening as one of a panel of speakers.  

The topics that we will discuss were emailed to me and are below in bold italics with my comments directly following in blue:

Can't compartmentalize faith and work. Understand living our faith in the work place as part of the way lay people live out our baptismal call to discipleship. Indeed faith and work should not be compartmentalized.  We are called to take our faith with us at all times, and certainly this includes work.  Something that I've heard said time and again, in regard to my role as a deacon, is that deacons are to be "ministers in the marketplace."  In a real way all of us, not just deacons, should be thinking about how we bring our ministry to the marketplace--and of course this goes far beyond the fact that often the best place to run into Deacon Dan is at the local supermarket.  Like everyone else, I can best show my faith by working with you and being willing to be open about my convictions.

On an everyday basis - how do you bring faith into your work? You have to meet each situations individually, but remember Christ has no hands on earth but yours.  Each day thank God for your job, even if it has been a source of dread in your life.  God has given you work to provide for your needs and the needs of your family.  As I have said in other posts, be willing to consecrate the day through your efforts.  Be the ambassador of the Church, but at the same time accept your failures and limitation.  Ask God to help you--you'll be surprised at what you get.

How do you answer people’s questions about faith?  Ask the Holy Spirit for help, but overall be prepared.  Learn your faith and know the bible.  Dedicate time to study.  When you don't know an answer say, "I'm not sure.  I'll find out and get back with you."

How do you deal with the workplace challenges: Christian’s response to gossip, frustrations with difficult people, conflict in the workplace, etc.  Deal with everything prayerfully.  Accept that difficulties are common.  You're not alone.  Resist the temptation to gossip.  Make a personal commitment to avoid saying anything negative.  Meet everything with love and respond to gossip with positive remarks.  Forgive others and forgive yourself, and let your forgiveness be real forgiveness that reaches deeply and heals the soul.

How to respond when asked to do something unethical or immoral? Be frank and honest.  "I have moral conviction against doing this."  Also understand that you have duty to inform your conscience regarding ethics in the workplace.  When it comes to morality and ethics there's no room for compromise.  

How do you react when you hear something unethical or immoral?  Avoid the appearance of being self righteous, but don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe in.  Oftentimes when we witness something unethical or immoral we have a moral duty to report it to the proper authority.  Weigh situations with sound judgment based on your deepest convictions.  Don’t be easily swayed by others who may have ulterior motives or unseen allegiances.

How do you evangelize in the workplace (in action, by living the faith, etc.) Often the best way to evangelize is by what we do more than what we say.  There may be an occasion where witnessing your faith requires you to tell others about it, but the best way to show your faith is simply to live it to the best of your ability.  True evangelization involves being formed in Christ.  We evangelize best when we are thoroughly evangelized ourselves.

How do you handle office politics?  Realize that authority is given by God.  Avoid the negativity associated with office politics.  Know your job and concentrate on doing it in an excellent fashion.  Sometimes I’ve found it helpful to say to myself, “That’s not my business.”  Know your business and focus on doing it best.

How do you balance work with the rest of life? I avoid being a workaholic.  I realize that my family has important needs and I have a life outside of work.  While it may necessary to do work at home, I have found it best to leave work at the workplace.  If needed, I will go in early, or stay late.

Keeping priorities in order Remember to keep the main thing the main thing.  Often the best thing we can do is seriously examine priorities and ask ourselves honestly what is most important

Making time for work, family and personal growth It’s essential to put everything in its proper place.  Making time can be the biggest challenge.  Those who are successful at it have a good idea of the “big picture.”  Goal setting for work, family, and personal needs is a good idea.

 

How do you practice humility in the workplace when nothing in the workplace promotes this virtue?  Keep a copy of St. Francis’ Peace Prayer nearby.  Remember to live it.  Reach out to others.  The opposite of humility is self-absorbtion.

Questions to ask in your workplace: will your workplace allow group gatherings (i.e. Bible study at lunch, etc) It’s especially important to connect with others who hold your faith.