Blog 3

Prior to this class, I never had thought of spirituality/religion in regards to career development. I have worked at the same family owned business (Mt. Gretna Lake and Beach)) for the past ten years and am currently the head lifeguard/shore coordinator at this establishment. Although it is only a summer job, it is the best and my favorite job that I have ever had.  Gockel (2004) in her article discusses how spirituality is applied in the workplace, noting that interpersonal caring and relationship building is an important cornerstone. Yesterday, I was discussing the lake with a guard who just finished her first year working there. She said to me, ‘It’s like we’re all family. It’s a family owned business and we are all family.’ “A friendly, informal atmosphere where workers are viewed as part of the organizational family is intrinsic to this trend” (Gockel, 2004, p. 159). This is one aspect that the lake has, and has always had. Moreover, “In a spiritually infused organization, personnel and structural practices work hand in hand to foster a vibrant, creative, person-centered business that profits by caring for its employees, customers, and community” (Gockel, 2004, p. 159). Reading this statement, I could not stop myself from smiling because this is the culture that the lake has created.

This past summer, the worst possible thing that could happen at an aquatic facility happened at the lake: someone drowned due to a previous medical condition. Even though it was an extremely difficult time, everyone was there for each other and every single person returned to work after the incident. If it was not for the family environment and the spiritual environment in that workplace, I do not think that would have happened. The day the incident occurred, after the ambulance left we closed the facility down out of respect for the victim, as well as the emotional well-being of the staff. My brother is very religious and one of the lifeguard team leads at the lake. Before all the staff left, he invited everyone to join in a prayer circle. Every single staff member that was at work that day joined, including the staff who were not lifeguards, and people who have openly stated that they are atheist/agnostic. “Spirituality provides meaning and purpose in life, is timeless and universal, is nondenominational, is inclusive of and accessible to everyone, and is not formally structured or organized” (Gockel, 2004, p. 158). I am extremely thankful and feel blessed that I am able to work for such an incredible company and that the staff is so supportive and welcoming. Although I do struggle with religion due to personal experiences, I do feel that spirituality can be separated from it; someone can be spiritual and not have a religious affiliation. Someone is capable and can believe in something bigger than themselves and this world, but not know exactly what. During that prayer circle, I could feel something greater, something deeper, and that’s way I believe in workplace spirituality.

References

Gockel, A. (2004). The trend toward spirituality in the workplace: Overview and implications for career counseling. Journal of Employment Counseling, 41, 156-167.