Faith-Friendly in the Workplace

Here is a great article my friend Brett at Majority in MS sent me. It's about Chick-fil-A's Christian business values. I can attest to the fact that Chick-fil-A is a great company that put Christ before profits. My first Job after college was working for Chick-fil-A's home office staff in Atlanta.

Faith-Friendly in the Workplace
By Heather Sells
CBN News
July 31, 2007


CBNNews.com -- Faith in the workplace. It used to mean employees praying quietly to themselves or simply displaying a framed verse on their desk.

But more and more secular companies are seeing the benefits of faith, and offering outlets in the regular work day.

Chick-Fil-A sells billions of dollars in chicken sandwiches and fries every year.

But executives say the company's purpose isn't really selling chicken -- instead it's to glorify God.

"One of the things that I feel confident about is that my work life is an expression of the higher values of my life," Tim Tassopolous said.

For them, corporate activities like prayer are not unusual.

And they still insist that all stores stay closed on Sundays.

Companies like Chick-Fil-A see the benefits of faith in the workplace.

"Possibly companies need to wake up to the fact that they need to spend the effort and money to help maintain a stability and quality of people who are performing well," Cathy said

And now, some mainstream companies are taking notice.

For instance, Tyson, American Airlines and Intel all offer some type of faith-based program for employees.

And Youth With A Mission's business outreach director says the number of the workplace ministries has risen from 25 to more than 900 in the last 10 years.

Some say the upsurge in religious interest is just a sign of the times.

After 9-11, faith moved into the forefront for many people.

And politicians aren't afraid to voice their commitment to faith.

One agency called Marketplace Chaplains has also seen a big surge in interest -- employing almost 2,000 people in 36 states.

The non-profit believes a chaplain can offer help and encouragement to struggling employees.

"If a person can't conduct their personal life, you can't expect them to be a high performer in his business," Cathy said.

Companies find that faith-based programs decrease employee turnover, increase productivity, reduce employee stress, and improve workplace safety.

"If I was a business leader I'd have to say -- 'This is an investment in people,'" Ty said.

While some companies might hesitate at taking time out for spiritual matters, in the end improving morale is not just good for the employee, it's good for business

http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/204966.aspx