Four P’s of the Workplace

By Marquisha Harden

In 2012, 30,000 employees around the world participated in the Mercer survey regarding employee satisfaction. Of those 30,000 people, 28% to 56% of employees reported they wanted to leave their jobs; 32% admitted the same in the United States (Adams, S. 2012). With unemployment rates at an all time high, most employees are choosing to remain in their unhappy work environment. As a result, employees may report to work with little to no motivation to produce or participate in work related activities. Some of the reasons employees decide to leave their jobs include personality conflicts between supervisors and co-workers; lack of training, low morale, or lack opportunities to grow within the company. While these are all valid reasons for wanting to leave the workplace, employees should consider a more pleasant approach. Prayer, personality, production, and planning are four areas that can help change the work environment.


A little prayer goes a long way. Pray over yourself and every person associated with your company, including staff, customers, and vendors. Pray asking God to give you wisdom, patience, and grace to effectively communicate with each person you are in contact with. Ask for strength and ability to work through any problem that may arise. He may not choose to change the other person or situation, so you must be willing to accept that you may have to change your attitude instead. Prayer has the power to change any situation and personality.  

Personality conflicts are usually the hardest hurdles to overcome in the workplace. Supervisors, customers, and co-workers have quirks that will push each and every button you have. However, your personality must not mirror theirs. Your personality should represent God’s goodness in your life. Consider speaking to them about your differences and come up with a solution that will best represent the company. Refrain from negative comments, gossip, and any other less appropriate conversation that would allow issues to persist. Speak to other party regarding your concerns to express your thoughts as well as receive feedback; sometimes you may realize there was a complete misunderstanding. Regardless of the outcome, remain professional at all times and never allow your personal differences to affect your production. 

You must continue to produce! Although you want to quit and your focus is slightly off, you have to remember you are in a professional environment. You must continue to come to work on time, complete all assigned tasks, attend training courses, and every other duty assigned to your position. Don’t allow negative situations to hinder possible promotions. Someone in the position to elevate you may be watching and inquiring of your work. 

If you are still considering leaving your job, you must have a plan. Pray asking God for the direction before making any moves. If he gives you the okay, then proceed to the planning phase. Planning will give you time to seriously consider your reason for leaving. You will have time to revise your resume and save, just in case of a delay prior to starting your new job. You will also have time to scout jobs that are more fitting to your personality. Even though you are planning for new employment, continue to honor your current position.

You honor God by submitting to your natural supervisor. It shows God that you can be trusted with the position he has given you. No person has authority or power to change your status. Regardless of threats from supervisors, customers, or co-workers, if God says you will keep your job, you will. If He says that you need to move to another position, he will do that as well. In past, I’ve erased the idea of having a natural supervisor and replaced it with the thought that I solely work for God. It helped me perform at my best while others tried to discourage me. It was evident whom I worked for when it was time for promotion. 

How have you been honoring God at work?


Godly Reminders: 

Ephesians 6: 5-8, “Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not with eye service, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.”


Reference
Adams, S. (May 18, 2012). New Survey: Majority of Employees Dissatisfied. Forbes.com. Retrieved 1/4/12http://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2012/05/18/new-survey-majority-of-employees-dissatisfied/ 

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