Fostering sustainability through workplace spirituality: qualitative study of case study organizations
Authors: Yousaf Ummara , Dogar Muhammad Nadeem 
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study explores the integration of workplace spirituality in organizational practices and its contribution to sustainability. By investigating three organizations in Pakistan’s social sector and microfinancing, the research seeks to identify convergences with known workplace spirituality dimensions and uncover new spiritual practices of case study organizations promoting sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate WS practices in the selected organizations, a qualitative multiple-case research methodology was used. Semi-structured interviews, focus groups and organizational document analysis were used to gather data. The elements of workplace spirituality and their connections to sustainability were identified and categorized using thematic analysis. With a focus on concrete insights into the real-world applications of WS in promoting sustainability, the study is driven by a pragmatic approach.

Findings

Empathy, meaningful work, ethical conduct and employee well-being are among the WS elements identified by the research that are in line with the body of current literature. These dimensions foster social cohesiveness, moral decision-making and comprehensive employee support. Unique contributions to economic empowerment and sustainability are highlighted by new aspects including halal earnings, volunteer assistance through Qarz-e-Hasana (interest-free loans) and a triple bottom line emphasis. These actions highlight WS’s vital role in attaining long-term sustainability and empowering marginalized populations.

Research limitations/implications

The study’s scope is restricted to three microfinance and social sector organizations in Pakistan, which can limit the findings’ applicability to other industries or geographical areas. Furthermore, subjectivity is introduced by the use of qualitative approaches and context-specific cultural elements may affect how workplace spirituality is interpreted. For a more comprehensive knowledge of the effect of WS on sustainability, future studies might broaden the scope by including a variety of sectors and using mixed-method techniques.

Practical implications

For businesses looking to incorporate workplace spirituality into their operations to ensure sustainability, this research offers practical insights. Organizations may improve employee engagement, establish trust and advance social well-being by using strategies like encouraging empathy, encouraging moral behavior and aiding underprivileged populations. To ensure sustainability, the results urge leaders to match their organizational goals with spiritual concepts. Furthermore, a triple-bottom-line approach and the introduction of novel practices like Qarz-e-Hasana provide a path forward for resolving societal injustices and advancing holistic development.

Originality/value

In addition to examining new and developing issues in the literature on workplace spirituality, this research looked at how workplace spirituality is constructed in Pakistani organizations and offered suggestions for new, sustainable organizational practices.