I'm a HR guy by trade, and one of the things that's always made me a bit queasy is taking a stand on religion in the workplace. I feel myself softening on that concern as I grow older, although in supporting a workgroup where they're are at least six different religions represented, it's still on my mind.
Additionally, times are tight and you have to find benefit value where you can find it. With Medical expense bearing down on all of us, it comes as a surprise that some of the benefits that have the most impact could cost relatively little.
Like what you ask? How about a non-denominational Chaplin rotating through the plant or call center floor?
What? More on offering some old-time religion as a benefit to your employee base from the Bradenton Herald:
"During a routine visit at Manatee Diagnostic Center, Jim Jaeger greets employees as he makes his way through the building. He asks employees how they’re doing, follows up with some on previous concerns discussed, while some workers ask Jaeger for some time to talk. Jaeger is a corporate chaplain and he has a position in the workplace that is becoming increasingly more sought after by businesses nationwide.
He is one of 104 chaplains employed by Corporate Chaplains of America, which was founded in 1996. The program is available to employers on flat fee basis and is offered much like an extension of employee benefits.
As a member of Corporate Chaplains of America, Jaeger serves about nine companies in Manatee and Sarasota counties. His job duties are to visit local businesses that have recruited the program’s services at least once a week.
During visits, the chaplain reserves a couple hours to meet with employees and managers, on a voluntary basis, to discuss personal and professional issues on a confidential level. “We talk about anything they would like to cover,” Jaeger said. “It’s quite a bit — from family concerns, to financial concerns, to work-related stress.”
Corporate Chaplains of America is growing so much so the organization is projecting it will employ more than 1,000 full-time chaplains and serve more than a million employees by 2012.
Currently, the corporate chaplains, who are nondenominational, serve 450 firms in 26 states. Eight years ago, Corporate Chaplains of America served fewer than 50 companies.
Like I said, I feel myself loosening up on the religion front as I turn into a crusty veteran of the HR game. Add some positive comments from my Muslim and Hindu friends who have experienced this type of Chaplin, and I just might give it a try...
Comments