"Human existence isn't meant to be this swift or burdened"
In the rapidly evolving world of business, a complex interplay of work, stress, and faith is shaping the lives of many.
According to recent reports, companies are increasingly asking employees to bear the brunt of labor and firing costs to avoid financial burdens. This trend is a point of contention, with some arguing that it undermines the well-being of workers and clients.
Yet, this isn't a new issue. The Bible, through passages like Luke 10:40-42, emphasises the importance of focus and choosing what is good, a message that resonates in today's context.
The work of sociologist Richard Sennett further highlights this contradiction. His research suggests that while companies promote labour flexibility, values like stability, trust, and commitment are often overlooked in practice.
In the realm of statistics, stress levels paint a worrying picture. In the United States, Canada, and East Asia, stress levels reach 52%, while in Europe they stand at a slightly lower 39%. These figures are reflected in the Gallup employment report published in 2023, which shows that 44% of workers are stressed, an increase of 13% since 2009.
Organisations like the German-based GBG, which supports Christian graduates and professionals in the workforce, have been advocating for a more balanced approach to work and life since 1987.
In Spain, the employment model has been in crisis since the 1970s, producing structural unemployment. Yet, Spain's labor and firing costs are below the European average and the average for the Eurozone.
Jaume Llenas, national coordinator of the Biblical Graduate Groups, argues that company culture is a powerful force, often more influential than laws and trade unions. He believes that work, while good, has been affected by evil and that God defends the exploited and unprotected.
Llenas and psychologist Lidia Martín both emphasise the importance of seeking God's kingdom and righteousness first, as stated in Matthew 6:33. However, they also warn about the increasing fragility of people due to fast-paced living and overburdening themselves with responsibilities.
Martín, in particular, notes that the Bible talks about stress more than people think and that work is a significant source of stress. She adds that people are also stressed by their attempts to avoid discomfort and natural effort.
In competitive environments, workers are often pushed to compete with each other to avoid being the least productive. This pressure, coupled with the demand for unpaid overtime, further exacerbates stress levels.
Martin's work underscores the need for a reevaluation of our priorities and a call to seek God's guidance in navigating the challenges of work and life in the 21st century. In the words of Matthew 6:34, each day brings its own trouble or concern, but we are reassured that our heavenly Father knows what we need.
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