The world of business involves stressful situations: deadlines must be met, quotas calculated, goals achieved, profit margins maintained. Because of these demands, unhealthy working conditions are created, potentially harmful to the physical, mental and emotional well-being of employees.
An issue of the Harvard Business Review, which has been considered a prominent business publication for many years, offered management tips. These tips centered on the importance of setting healthy performance standards for the team. It is interesting to note that each of them affirms the principles set forth in the ancient “business book” called the Bible.
Here are three tips presented in the Harvard Business Review on how leaders can help their team set healthy boundaries that will lead not only to increased productivity, but also to high levels of satisfaction and fulfillment in the workplace.
First, set a good example of leadership. When deadlines are looming or an important account is jeopardized, it’s easy to forget that employees and colleagues don’t just live in the office. We need to take seriously the potentially negative consequences we create when we send emails to employees late at night or when they don’t have the opportunity to take a lunch break.
We should honestly consider how we would react if someone demanded too much of our personal time. Leaders set the tone for those who follow them. Once, while ministering to His disciples, Jesus Christ said: «For I have given you an example, that you also should do what I have done to you» (John 13:15). He did not expect them to do anything that He Himself did not do.
Second, schedule extra time each week. Many of us are overly optimistic, sometimes making commitments to complete projects within deadlines that turn out to be unreasonable. As managers, we should encourage employees to set aside time each week to work on unfinished projects.
On another occasion, Jesus notified the multitudes gathered around Him: «For who among you, desiring to build a tower, shall not first sit down and calculate the cost, whether he has what it takes to accomplish it, lest when he has laid the foundation and cannot accomplish it, all those who see it should laugh at him… » (Luke 14:28-29).
Third, increase the distinctiveness of the workload. Communicate regularly with employees and ask how they feel about their workload. Listen to them and be prepared to respond in a way that helps them and relieves unnecessary burdens. Proverbs 27:23-26 says: «Thou shalt watch thy cattle well, and have care of the flocks; for riches are not for ever, neither is power from generation to generation? And the grass shall wither, and the green shall come forth, and the mountain herbs shall be gathered. The sheep are for thy clothing, and the goats for the purchase of the field».
Without a doubt, the people we work with are far more valuable than farm animals, so we should be even more concerned about their well-being as they are with us every day in the workplace. Your team needs healthy work boundaries, including giving them time to rest. As Hebrews 4:10 says: «For whoever has entered into His rest has also rested from his own works, just as God has rested from His own works». If even God needed to rest from His labors, how much more do we need to do the same.
Copyright retained 2023, Unconventional Business Network. Adapted with permission from UBN Integrity Moments, a commentary on faith in the workplace. Visit: www.unconventionalbusiness.org. UBN is a faith in action ministry for the international small business community.
Questions for reflection/discussion
- How would you describe your working conditions? Does the unrelenting pressure to complete projects and meet goals and objectives improve or harm our health? Explain your answer.
- What do you think are some easily observable symptoms of an unhealthy work environment? How would you bring these problems to the attention of people in authority?
- Leaders are expected to set a good example by declaring healthy work habits and beliefs. Do you agree that this responsibility should be held by senior leaders? If so, how often do you think leaders do just that?
- Do you think that “workload reporting” – encouraging employees to report openly and honestly – is encouraged in most businesses? Why yes or why no?
NOTES. If you have a Bible and want to read more, consider the following passages: Proverbs 24:27; Ezekiel 34:12; Matthew 7:12, 22:39; Luke 6:21; 1 Peter 2:21
Difficult task
Whether we hold important leadership positions or not, we can strive to have a positive impact on the workplace. However, it can often be difficult to make the necessary changes alone. Do you have someone (or maybe a few people) who can support you in your efforts to improve your work environment? As the Book of Ecclesiastes 4:9 states: «Two are better than one; because they have a good reward in their labor».