Share Each Other's Burdens

Who came up with the notion that we can turn on and off our problems when we arrive at work? 

Our problems are not connected to a switch that can just be turned off and on at will.  In fact, quite the opposite.  Sometimes our issues surface when we least expect them to. 

“For every problem a small company leader knows about, that is only 20% of what is happening in their workforce. There are some employees that will simply not share a sensitive personal issue.” 

So said Jason Brown, CMO @ Marketplace Chaplains, during an interview with Jim and Martha.

It used to be that absenteeism was a problem in the workplace. But today, it’s the opposite: It’s called “Presenteeism”.  Employees are showing up, but not actually fully mentally present and focused on their work. Their worries, concerns about children, aging parents, marriage, or finances, are taking over their ability to concentrate. Per a Forbes study in 2018, it’s costing U.S. companies $150 billion dollars a year. A company’s leadership cannot spend all day ministering to their employees, nor can the HR department. So, what’s the answer? One answer is to look at adding a corporate chaplaincy to your workplace. Their only focus is to confidentially listen, support and walk alongside the staff. 

When our burdens are shared and heard, our load is lightened. We are then able to think and focus on the task at hand. Just as Galatians 6:2 encourages us:

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

Will you start sharing today?

Jim and Martha Brangenberg