Is it possible to have joy in the workplace? I believe so, in fact, as Christians God hopes so. Here are some things to consider.
Did you know?
- In the US, working adults spend a significant percentage of their waking hours working. Of the 43.6% of adults that work, the average hours per day is 8.21. (For men it is 8.66 and women it is 7.67 hours.) American Time Use Survey (2017) https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/atus.pdf
- 33 percent of workers are engaged in their jobs, 49 percent are not engaged, and 18 percent are actively disengaged. (US and Canada – Gallup Study)
- The Gallup Organization defines the categories as follows:
- Engaged employees work with passion and feel a profound connection to their company. They drive innovation and move the organization forward.
- Non-engaged employees have essentially “checked out.” They sleepwalk through workdays, They put in time but don’t approach their work with energy or passion.
- Actively disengaged employees aren’t just unhappy at work; they’re busy acting out their unhappiness. Every day,, these workers undermine what engaged co-workers accomplish. (https://news.gallup.com/poll/165269/worldwide-employees-engaged-work.aspx)
- Employees who use their strengths, skills, and abilities every day are 6x more likely to be engaged at work, 8% more productive, and 15% less likely to leave their jobs. (Gallup)
What is the difference between Joy and Happiness?
- Happiness relates to what is happening outside – externally – and centers on me
- Joy comes from inside – internally – and connects with something outside of me
Resources: Yale Center for Faith and Culture – Theology of Joy and the Good Life project and videos: What is Joy? and Difference between Joy and Happiness
Faith and Joy
- Faith anchors our life in something outside ourselves – God.
- Living a life of joy recognizes faith as a living relationship with God and opens one’s self up to God’s activity around and through us.
- We are created to be relationally connected.
- We find purpose when we have meaningful work to do.
- We find joy when we use the gifts God had created us with.
As you work tomorrow, be it caring for your kids or engaging in a business deal, think about joy, engagement, and God’s desire for you to be relationally connected and to share your particular gifts with others.
The differences between Faith and Joy, and the ways in which they overlap, really resonated with me. Very thoughtful piece- thank you!