BizBahrain November 2016

Opinion | Business Strategy
Making Work a Sacred Duty!
by Ali Al-Aradi
In the contemporary globalized
business world, organisations are
faced with more complex issues and
structural changes than before. This has
made entities concentrate on putting
economic goals and profitability before
the social needs of their employees.
As profit maximisation becomes
the main strategic objective of most
workplaces, the moral and emotional
needs of employees have taken a back
seat.
The central focus on materialistic
outcomes has led to the creation of a
“Corporate Culture without Depth” and
the isolation of the soulful aspects of
work life.
Many employees in today’s
workplaces question themselves on
the essence and meaning of their work
and search for a sense of purpose.
This should encourage us think of new
ways to respond to current changes in
the business and work on introducing
meaning within the workplace to
enable employees’ hearts and souls to
grow and flourish so that our staff will
become healthy, creative, innovative,
compassionate and productive in their
everyday work.
Our employees’ mind set adds to the
value and richness of the workplace.
Moreover, we notice that the modern
market is plagued by social, economic,
and environmental problems that are the
result of human greed and a lack of love
and compassion.
Thus, a holistic approach recognizes
that people work not only with their
hands but also with their soul is the
best way to go. Leaders of organizations
might also benefit from horizontal
integration.
This refers to the desire to be
of service to other people, which is
demonstrated by service orientation and
a deep concern for others at work.
Consideration towards others
creates higher job satisfaction, lower
turnover rates, better group cohesion,
performance, and efficiency. In essence,
the meaning of work provides employees
with a sense of community and
connectedness, which in turn increases
employees’ commitment, belongingness,
and effectiveness.
Therefore, it can be seen as coming
from within and it is related to our
meaning and dreams, our patterns
of thought, our emotion, feelings and
behaviours
The meaning of work is not a fringe
idea. In fact, meaning of work addresses
human activities relating to personal
development, compassion, and joy at
work, honesty, trust, job commitment,
and wellbeing of employees.
Companies need to create awareness
and a clear organizational vision and
mission. This can be achieved by writing
objective job descriptions that bring
meaning to each employee’s task and
responsibilities’ at the workplace.
Another method is to make sure
to show employees the importance of
their contributions to the organisation
and to society in general. Work can take
new meaning and significance when
it is seen as a calling, a sacred duty, a
societal responsibility or a way to serve,
or a higher purpose.
Ali Al-Aradi
HRD Lecturer & Writer
46 November 2016