O'Neal Media Group  

A happy workplace

Marriage exemplifies one of the most intimate of human relationships, and when marriages start to fail, it leads to immense individual frustration at home and the workplace.

On the other hand, happily married couples tend to be more valued employees as they are able to manage stress better, enjoy good health, and have a more positive outlook on life.

Dr. Gary R. Collins, author of Christian Counseling, A Comprehensive Guide, noted, “Research during the past several years has shown consistently that more people seek counseling for marriage problems than for any other single issue.”

However, Dr. Beth Erickson, a psychotherapist based in Minnesota, asserted in Marriage Isn't For Sissies: 7 Simple Keys To Unlocking The Best Part Of Your Life (Maracom Publishing 2009), says that only recently have studies looked at the connection between marriage and business. Several highly regarded researchers have all come to the same conclusion. Employees in a happy marriage increase companies' bottom lines. And those in unhappy marriages impact business on a broad array of dimensions.”

Dr. Beth Erickson

There appears to be some light at the end of the tunnel. According to a recent government report, the number of workers filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell by 10,000, although economists had expected an increase. Reuters pointed out “that was the first time that the so-called continuing claims had dropped below the 6 million mark since late March. This measure has trended lower for four consecutive weeks.”

Dr. Erickson, as an organizational consultant, tackles the challenges related to negative work cultures. She said employees and business leaders can learn to thrive, while taking responsibility for changing the workplace into a more productive environment.

“By doing your part in the workplace, every person can make a difference,” she said.

She said organizations need to acknowledge that marriage and divorce impact the bottom line, adding, “Happily married employees increase profitability while unhappily married employees decrease profitability.”

For couples who are employed, obsessive worry about being downsized seem to torment their minds on a daily basis, and hence negatively impact their job performance.

Therapeutically speaking, “Don’t frustrate yourself by trying to control what you can’t control. Instead, focus on what you can,” suggests Dr. Erickson.

Dr. Erickson said corporations can help people be happy in the workplace, and invest in workers being happier at home.

She affirmed the workplace and family life cannot be separated. One influences the other in diverse ways. “It's applicable to family. If a person is disengaged at home, they will be disengaged in the workplace,” she said.

She often invites her listeners on web talk radio “Relationships 101” to refer a co-worker, or supervisor who appears to perpetuate a toxic work culture, to therefore re-shape their approach to work and family life via a consultation.

“Examine yourself and see where you can make a contribution in the workplace every day, and realize that everyone can make a difference,” she said.

For individual Christians, it is important to note the words of St. Francis of Assisi, who taught that man can reveal God's love to others by their actions, and it does also apply to the workplace, “Preach the Gospel everywhere, and when necessary, use words.”

To learn more, visit Dr. Beth Erickson online: http://www.drbetherickson.com