(ZENIT News / Atlanta, 09/18/2024).- In a world of work that evolves at great speed, young people from Generation Z are becoming a predominant force in companies, generating both expectations and challenges. However, beyond technical skills and effort, a central issue arises that affects both your motivation and your performance: spiritual health and your sense of purpose.
According to a recent report from the McKinsey Health Institute, spirituality and meaning are crucial not only to personal well-being, but also to productivity at work. This study, carried out in 26 countries and involving 41,000 people, concludes that spiritual health is not necessarily linked to traditional religious beliefs, but rather to the feeling of connection with something bigger than oneself.
Generation Z and their spiritual disconnection
Although spirituality has been proven essential to finding purpose and meaning in life, data reveals that Generation Z is the one with the lowest levels of spiritual health. Only 63% of young people in this generation claim to have meaning in their lives, compared to more than 70% of Millennials, Generation X and Baby Boomers. Furthermore, only 58% find purpose in their work, a worrying figure if one takes into account the importance that this dimension plays in commitment and work motivation.
The role of meaning in working life
The disconnect between young people and purpose at work is not just an individual issue; It has direct implications on work dynamics. According to the Wall Street Journal, employers are facing increasing difficulties in understanding and motivating Generation Z workers. Among the main complaints from managers are a lack of effort and motivation, both aspects closely linked to the search for jobs. meaning in life and work.
This phenomenon cannot be ignored by companies, since, according to the McKinsey report, good spiritual health is associated with higher levels of effort and commitment. Employees’ ability to feel part of something bigger can make a difference in their performance and job satisfaction.
The rise of faith-inclusive companies
As organizations face these challenges, many are finding solutions by integrating spiritual practices into their workplace policies. The 2024 Corporate Religious Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Index (REDI), produced by the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation, shows notable growth in the number of companies taking a more inclusive approach to faith in the workplace. This year, 85.8% of Fortune 500 companies already include religion as part of their diversity strategies, a significant increase from previous years.
These policies not only include the formation of faith-based affinity groups, but also the creation of spaces for reflection, meditation and prayer. This approach allows employees to reconnect with their sense of purpose and strengthens their connection to their work. In companies that adopt this practice, employees find an environment that not only values their productivity, but also their overall well-being.
Faith as an engine of recovery and prevention
The impact of spirituality on well-being is not limited to the workplace. Research, such as that conducted by Melissa and Brian Grim, has shown that faith is a key element in addiction prevention and recovery. The results of their study highlight that spirituality not only promotes recovery, but also provides significant savings to the economy, estimated at $316 billion annually in the United States. This underscores the importance of fostering an environment that promotes spiritual health as part of a comprehensive wellness strategy.
Towards conscious management
As Generation Z takes up more and more space in the workforce, companies must adapt to their spiritual and emotional needs. Creating policies that promote a sense of purpose and space for reflection is not just a strategy for improving performance; It is an investment in the future of a generation that seeks more than just a salary. By recognizing the importance of spirituality, employers can build more humane, inclusive and productive workplaces.
The challenge for organizations is not simply to understand Generation Z, but to provide them with the tools and environment necessary to reconnect with their purpose, both in life and at work. Only then will it be possible to close the motivation and effort gap, and ensure an engaged and fulfilled workforce.
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