In an April 29, 2010 National Catholic Reporter article, "Connecting With God While At Work," Tom Gallagher questions, "... is it possible to foster an employee’s spiritual life during work hours? And is this a good thing? Or is it better for employees to compartmentalize their spiritual life to weekend services and to keep that part of their person out of the workplace?"

An important question to ask, to value, and to potentially implement, read how Ascension Health System is responding. Teasers from the full article include:

Ascension Health System is the largest Catholic health system in the United States, with 72 hospitals in 20 states, over $14 billion in operating revenue, 113,000 employees (called “associates”), almost $900 million in care for the poor and community benefit in 2009, and a $6 billion endowment.

“Everyone has a spirit and we want people to bring their whole person, including their spirit, to work,” said [Lynn] Tate. “We tell new employees at orientation to bring their whole spirit to work.” 

If employees cannot get to the spirituality center, [Jack] Logue takes programming to the hospital staff and departments on topics like de-stressing, meditation and contemplation. Lunch is often an opportune time for staff to find peacefulness, quietude and rest at the center.

“It’s our view that patients get better care if the employees have a better relationship with God,” said Logue. The religious makeup of the employees reflects the local community, heavily Protestant, specifically Baptist, with Catholics making up approximately 20 percent of the staff. While authentically Catholic, the spirituality center serves the entire hospital staff.

Click to read the entire article, "Connecting With God While At Work," by Tom Gallagher.

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