Creating a Connected Workplace: The Role of a Chaplain in Employee Care

Brad Parsley, Executive Director of Creative Arts, Bayside Community Church

Having a connected and supportive workplace is essential for any business to create and sustain a healthy culture, but even more so if they're going to help others grow deeper in their relationships, receive care, and ultimately, come to know God. I believe creating and building this sense of community and well-being among employees with the role of a chaplain can be a great catalyst and a crucial element. I had the privilege of being the Company Chaplain at The Household Group for 2 ½ years, where we worked hard to do just that. Here are some of the ways I found helpful at The Household Group in creating, building, and sustaining a healthy culture, community, and care for employees and their families.

Care Budget

Prioritizing a sense of community, connectedness, and care has to start with the budget. In a for-profit business, nothing says we love our employees and their families quite like putting your money where your mouth is. Allocating funds specifically for building relationships, discipleship, and employee care helps to meet these goals and communicates the value of the employee. This budget can cover various essentials such as meals to celebrate a birth, care for the family during illness or crisis, get-well gifts for employees and their family members, mileage reimbursement for the chaplain who may need to travel to meet with employees, and resources to facilitate care and connection. A well-funded care budget is crucial for building and sustaining a supportive environment that says “we love you” and “we care about you.”

Flexible Scheduling

Pastoral care can require flexibility beyond typical work hours, sometimes extending into evenings or weekends. By allowing the chaplain flexibility in their schedule, they can maintain a sustainable rhythm of work and family while effectively caring for and meeting the needs of the workforce. This flexibility helped me on numerous occasions when a 45-minute to an hour drive to the hospital was required care for the employee and their family. A flexible schedule is paramount for the chaplain to remain available and responsive without experiencing burnout.

Space for Creativity and Connection

Chaplains need the freedom to innovate and create opportunities for connection. Relationships in the workplace are organic and often flourish in spontaneous moments. One of my favorite memories involved an impromptu pizza lunch when the office was relatively empty. We were in a tough housing market, creating stress and uncertainty around the office. It felt like our team needed a break and a boost. This unplanned gathering allowed our team to connect informally over a shared meal. Most of the folks in the office that day came to the meeting room, gathered around the table, broke bread (aka pepperoni pizza), shared stories, and grew in relationship with each other. I remember there was a lot of laughter that day at a time when joy and laughter had been wanting. Having the permission and resources to seize moments like that can greatly enhance workplace camaraderie, lift people’s spirits, and remind them why they love their jobs.

Infrastructure for Community

Investing in infrastructure that fosters community is essential. Allocate budget dollars towards creating spaces where employees can gather and relax. Simple additions like a basketball hoop, picnic tables, gym, or game room can make a significant difference. We did this at The Household Group by providing gym equipment so employees could work out during lunch and after work and putting in a basketball hoop and picnic tables outside to foster connection and community on breaks or during lunch. These areas and gathering spaces provide employees with places to unwind and connect when they step away from their desks.

Integrating the Chaplain into Daily Routines

The Household Group team gives the chaplain visibility and presence in daily routines, helping build trust and familiarity. Involving them in staff meetings, whether through emceeing, praying, or leading games and icebreakers, introduces them to the team in a non-intrusive way. Organizing departmental lunches or "Meet the Chaplain" sessions can also facilitate connections. Departmental lunches were one of the primary ways I met most of the employees in my first few months as the company chaplain. Moments like these create casual interactions, allowing employees to get to know the chaplain and each other better.

Supporting Missions and Community Activities

The Household Group encourages employees to participate in mission opportunities by subsidizing trips and offering “free” time off for participation. These experiences strengthen bonds among employees and provide a broader perspective on their work, personal lives, and the organization’s mission and values. One of my favorite trips was taking a team to New Orleans for hurricane relief. We were able to help families in need, and powerful bonds were created and shaped among team members that lasted well after the trip.

Breaking Down Barriers for Spiritual Connection

A significant challenge in many workplaces is helping employees step out of "work mode" to connect relationally or be able to participate in discipleship opportunities or any kind of spiritual engagement. Intentionally creating a fun and life-giving environment can help. Mid-morning and afternoon breaks were a great way for me to walk through the office and have quick, fun interactions with employees. Relational connection helps break down barriers so employees feel the freedom to participate in spiritual activity in the workplace. Organizing activities like midweek snacks, an occasional coffee cart in the lobby, prayer meetings, virtual devotions, and small groups can allow employees to interact with the chaplain and each other in a relaxed setting. This connected, relational culture helps combat high turnover rates by making the workplace about more than just the work. It makes it about the people.

A workplace chaplain can play a pivotal role in fostering a supportive and connected work environment. By prioritizing employee care, providing flexible scheduling, creating spaces for connection, and integrating the chaplain into daily routines, we can build a community that values relationships and well-being. This approach enhances employee satisfaction and contributes to a more engaged and committed workforce over the long haul. I think Theodore Roosevelt said it best: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”