Religion Relieves Work Stresses: Study

10 years ago | Posted in: Religion | 582 Views

CAIRO – Underscoring the crucial role of religion in people’s lives, a recent study has found that practicing a faith combats work stress, keeping employees less vulnerable to sick leaves and depression.

“My research shows that religiosity in the workplace may act as a resource, making people more resilient to cope with the many challenges of working life,” Dr Roxane Gervais, a senior psychologist at the Health and Safety Laboratory in Stockport, who conducted the survey, told the Telegraph on Thursday, January 9.

“Such personal beliefs could be very helpful not only for employees, but also for employers providing people with a buffer zone.”

 

Surveying employees to gauge the level of work satisfaction, Dr. Gervais claims that religion forms a ‘barrier’ against strains of modern life.

The research has found that religious employees are less vulnerable to exhaustion, anxiety and depression in workplaces.

Looking more enthusiastic than their colleagues, religious workers believe that their lives have a meaning.

“As the pace of work and life accelerates, people long for meaning, and the younger generation in particular is looking for more than just a big pay cheque at the end of the month,” Gervais said.

Taking part in religious services is also positively related to the high self-esteem and connections to a higher being, the study claims.

Islam lays great emphasis on work. In many places in the Qur’an it is made clear that time should not be wasted.

In Islam, work is given special importance to the extent that it is considered as an act of worship in itself.

Islam is a religion that orders its followers to be part and parcel of a working and productive society.

Accommodation

Citing the research’s findings, Dr. Gervais recommended that managers should understand and support employees’ beliefs for a better work performance.

“We should hence encourage employers to accommodate, where possible, employees’ religious beliefs while at work, and not shy away from the issue.” Dr. Gervais recommended.

The accommodation with employees’ beliefs boosts staff morale, retention and loyalty, according to a previous study.

Being active than other workers, religious workers are more likely to have healthier lifestyles and so less likely to take sick leaves.

“Religiosity seemed to assist individuals in gaining better well-being and using more appropriate coping mechanisms.” Dr. Gervais said.

The study’s results were presented on Thursday, January 9, at the Annual Conference of the British Psychological Society’s Division of Occupational Psychology’s in Brighton.

People who neglect spirituality, and so are lacking in spiritual values, cannot sustain conduct in accordance with these principles.

All religions encourage good conduct and warn against misdeeds. A sincerely religious person cannot continue unethical behavior in good conscience.

People with strong faith consider themselves and their possessions as belonging to God. They bow their ego, ideas, passions, and thinking to God.

 

Via: Onislam.net

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