Empathy, mindfulness and a sense of purpose can help prevent professional burnout, while shared values can improve teamwork, creativity and innovation. These are among the key conclusions of a new publication by Dr Ewelina Idziak and Dr Katarzyna Kachel from Kazimierz Wielki University, published by Springer Nature.

The researchers from the Faculty of Law and Economics at UKW examine spiritual well-being in the workplace and argue that it should be viewed not only as an individual matter, but also as an important element of organisational responsibility.

Their chapter, entitled “Fostering Spiritual Well-Being in Workplaces: An Ethical Imperative for Sustainability”, appears in Springer Nature’s Handbook of Sustainability and Spirituality (Living Edition).

Well-Being as an Organisational Responsibility

The authors highlight the importance of empathy, mindfulness, meaningful work and relationships built on shared values. They argue that promoting these qualities, together with values-based leadership, can help prevent burnout and alienation among employees.

At the same time, a supportive workplace culture can foster cooperation, creativity, innovation and greater environmental awareness. Caring for employees’ spiritual well-being may therefore benefit both individuals and the organisation as a whole.

The chapter presents spiritual well-being as an important dimension of an organisation’s ethical responsibility and a valuable component of its sustainability strategy. Paying attention to values, purpose and workplace relationships can support employee well-being while contributing to the long-term and sustainable operation of institutions.

Practical Guidance for Organisations

The publication also offers practical recommendations for HR departments, management teams, sustainability professionals and policymakers. These recommendations focus on incorporating employees’ spiritual development and well-being into organisational strategies and everyday practices.

The chapter contributes to a growing body of research exploring the links between spirituality, business ethics and sustainable development.

We encourage you to read the publication.

About the Authors

Dr Ewelina Idziak is a member of the Department of Economics at the Faculty of Law and Economics at Kazimierz Wielki University. She also serves as the Rector’s Representative for Internationalisation.

Her research interests include household saving and investment decisions and the financial aspects of sustainable development. Her academic achievements include publications prepared by international research teams, as well as monographs published in the Springer World Sustainability Series.

Dr Katarzyna Kachel is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at the Faculty of Law and Economics at Kazimierz Wielki University.

Her research interests include household and corporate finance, innovation, consumer behaviour, green finance and sustainable development. She combines academic work with experience in project management and business collaboration. Dr Kachel currently heads the Bydgoszcz Branch of the Accountants Association in Poland.