In management literature, spirituality at work has acquired considerable interest and is now
considered a legitimate and widespread area of investigation. In the work context, it focuses on the
search for shared meaning and values, and involves a reflection on the purposes of one's actions,
capable of promoting the common and organizational good.
Spirituality at work is configured as both an individual and systemic dynamic; in fact, it proposes
multiple levels of transformation: it addresses personal change with practices of awareness,
acceptance and inner connection; but it also concerns the change of leadership models and the
development of leaders capable of integrating spiritual values into human resource management;
spirituality also concerns organizational transformations and the adoption of spiritual practices in
business systems; finally, it concerns the systemic and global connection, which intertwines global
ethical trends and sustainability issues.
This paper offers a review of theoretical models on spirituality at work and its individual and
organizational transformative dimensions, a review of emerging practices and an intervention
project in a medium-sized company based on mindfulness.
It will be illustrated how contemporary organizations are integrating spiritual activities into their
daily work: Eastern approaches provide useful interpretative frameworks to understand the
connection between spirituality and leadership, as in servant leadership models; mindfulness and
meditation protocols are proposed to reduce stress and increase awareness in the workplace;
programs based on spirituality at work and applied positive psychology generate tools and
interventions based on acceptance, interconnection, sense of community, transcendence, shared
meanings, hope.
Organizations that recognize and integrate the spiritual dimension and values of their employees
are able to benefit from a cohesive and motivated work environment, leading to greater satisfaction,
commitment and work performance.