Workplace Spirituality: A Study in an Indian Pharmaceutical Organization

The ever more prevalent forces of global competition, downsizing, and reengineering are increasing the levels of uncertainty in many aspects of people's realities, and have generated a workforce who seek value, support, and meaning in their lives. With diverse workforce the question of managing employees with various religious beliefs and spirituality practices at workplace is being seriously considered in corporate world. This study defines spirituality and religion from the perspective of the workplace and documents the increasing importance of this phenomenon. The objective of the study is to explore the importance of spirituality, religion and the emerging trends of the recent past; and then connect the same with the organizations in Indian context. The study was conducted in a pharmaceutical organization with HR managers and shop floor workers perspective on the topic. Focus group discussion was conducted amongst shop floor workers to understand their point of views whereas a questionnaire was designed for HR managers to gauge their views. Workplace and religious spiritual practices of certain multinational organization were studied through personal interviews and questionnaire. The discussion and analysis in this paper indicate that religion and spirituality has a great impact on people's values, attitudes and behaviour at workplace. An understanding of these concepts allows managers to understand why accommodations are necessary to avoid conflict.