Spirituality in Business: New Age Rhetoric or Balanced Empowering Practices?

As spirituality in business continues to gain traction, it’s essential to distinguish between its surface-level adoption as a trend and its potential as a profound, life-altering practice. Spirituality in business is about infusing ethical values, mindfulness, and a sense of purpose into our professional lives. It’s not a passing fancy, but a deeply ingrained concept that warrants our earnest consideration.

In business, people often employ terms like ‘mission-driven,’ ‘world-conscious,’ and ‘co-created’ to foster a sense of belonging and ownership through spirituality. However, issues like financial mismanagement, toxic work cultures, and impractical business practices often persist at the core, reducing spirituality to a mere marketing tool. When genuinely integrated, spirituality can be seen in practices such as regular mindfulness sessions, ethical decision-making frameworks, and fostering a sense of community among employees. However, it’s important to note that integrating spirituality into business practices can be challenging. It requires a shift in mindset, a commitment to ethical values, and a willingness to change existing practices. It is a science that connects the individual to their higher self and promotes balance. It has a lot of authenticity and sacredness, and improper implementation can disrupt and unbalance employees and the organization.

On the other hand, when spirituality is genuinely integrated into business practices, it can yield significant benefits. This integration is not a task for individuals alone, but it requires the active participation and leadership of those at the top. Leaders who understand and embody the principles of spirituality can inspire their teams to connect with their emotions, enhance self-awareness, and cultivate mindfulness. Encouraging employees to develop their creativity and innovation leads to better results. It’s crucial to have mentors and guides who understand the organisation’s purpose. In our ancient script, the Bhagavad Gita, the warrior Arjuna, paralysed by doubt, receives guidance from his mentor Lord Krishna on performing his duty without attachment to the results.

With integrity and selflessness, having mentors on board helps alleviate stress and confusion, benefiting both individuals and organisations. It is crucial to have ethical practices and prioritise the well-being of stakeholders. Balancing qualities such as Sattva (purity and harmony), Rajas (activity and passion), and Tamas (inertia and ignorance) are essential for the organisation and the individual.

In business, ethical leadership and decision-making are not just important, they are critical. Stories from scriptures, like that of King Harishchandra, who remained steadfast in his values despite hardships, illustrate the lasting impact of integrity and ethical behaviour. Honesty, transparency, and integrity in leadership inspire trust and loyalty among employees and customers, creating a secure and stable work environment.

A company that implements spiritual practices is not just a business, it becomes a community. This approach connects the community to the brand, forming lasting relationships. The sense of belonging and shared values fostered by spirituality in business can lead to genuine corporate social responsibility (CSR), making the audience feel connected and engaged.

Emphasising the importance of duty, ethical leadership, community, and creativity will create a better work environment and fulfil both employees and organisations. Company values should be authentic and genuinely reflect these principles. This holistic approach can enhance overall well-being and improve company performance.