Workplace satisfaction is a big topic today. Surveys, articles, and studies are abundant on the topic of workplace satisfaction.
Companies calculate the cost of employee dissatisfaction. Foundations for Excellence put out a paper a few years ago entitled “Employee Satisfaction: Why it is so important.” They identified several “Faces of Dissatisfaction” including: turnover, poor quality work, minimal cooperation, lowered productivity among others. They identified that the fast food industry experiences an annual turnover rate of 140%.
“I hate my job! I’m going to quit.”
Tons of money has spent on trying to improve satisfaction on the job. Let’s look at what the Word of God says.
Read Ephesians 6:5-9.
Paul uses the words “slaves” and “masters,” but these can easily be equated to workers and bosses. Paul first examines the duties of the workers. Then he looks at the duties of management.
I. Duties of workers.
Christian workers have a duty to their employers, whether or not the employer is a Christian or not. Honest days work for an honest days pay.
A. Obedience
Paul uses the same word as he does for children obeying their parents in verse 1. There is a structure within the workplace. Designed to be productive and efficient.
1. With respect
“Fear and trembling” doesn’t mean being terrified, but rather with simple respect.
2. With loyalty
The sincerity of heart is essentially loyalty.
3. As though working for Christ
Studies have shown that people work harder for a cause than just a paycheck. Work for Christ.
4. Doing the will of God
The will of God is that we live for Him. We can demonstrate our walk with the Lord through how we do our job.
5. With good will
Seeking the best.
B. Rewards
Rewards may not come in the way of raises and promotions. Our reward is in heaven. Our Boss is watching. Don’t just work hard when the boss is around.
II. Duties of bosses.
Bosses also have a responsibility. When someone is in charge, it can easily go to their head. I’ve seen it. The common worker becomes the pushy boss drunk on power.
A. Observe the rights of workers
The greatest asset that any business has is not it computer system, machinery or building. The greatest asset of every company is its people. People are what make business hum. That’s what vacations and holidays are for. They help people rest and be more efficient and productive
B. Don’t threaten anyone
Threats are terrible ways to motivate people. That’s not to say employees shouldn’t be reprimanded for wrong behavior or intentionally poor performance.
1. God is your Master
Remember boss, God is ultimately your Master. Don’t do anything to your employees that you don’t want God doing to you.
2. Don’t play favorites
Romans 2:11 says, “God shows no partiality.” God doesn’t play favorites, neither should we.
Conclusion
Workers and management will stand before God equal. Galatians 3:28 says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” It doesn’t matter who we are here on earth. The only thing that matters is living for Christ.
