Majority of us spend a major portion of our life in work places. Be it a casual laborer, a clerk, a banker or an officer, each of them have to do their part to earn a living. But what makes work more enjoyable is due to the associated work culture. This dimension of seeing work would bring life to our activities. An old saying goes 'Work is Worship'. How do we put this in practice?
Our ancient scriptures talks about work in so much detail. The system of work was very much related to the culture of yoga ('linking up' or union) - in particular it is known as "Karma Yoga" (BG Chapter 3). The essence of this process is to view work without expecting any personal rewards out of it. In other words 'To work for works sake'. This method of approaching work would make one free from the bondage of ones work. It is our duty to work, but one should not long for the fruits of that work (BG 2.47). Here I wish to summarize the four pillars that will help one to do her/his work in accordance to this principle. (This post has been inspired from one of the speeches delivered by Dr. E. Sreedharan - 'Metro Man' to engineers)
1] Punctuality : Being punctual is a very important aspect in building a work culture. Most of today's jobs do not emphasize on an office time. However it is important for us to follow a daily routine where one comes to office in time and leaves the office in time. This virtue helps us to respect the time of others. Be it a lecture one has to attend, be it a meeting or a finishing an assigned task - punctuality is significant.
2] Ethics and Integrity : Every job has its associated ethics. It is important to inform ones boss, if she/he goes on leave. One has to exercise integrity in each and every aspect. It is not an excuse that you were not aware of a certain rule. Integrity goes beyond honest and corruption free. It has to percolate through your entire persona, in each aspect of your personal life as well.
3] Professional Competence : This aspect of the work culture brings out the cutting edge in a person. One should always update ones knowledge by exercising her/his scientific temper. Be it science, technology, culture, sports - one should always be up-to-date.
4] Social Commitment : The fourth pillar of a good work culture is to ensure that your work reaches out to the society. Unfortunately, many of the present day corporate jobs forgets this giving back aspect. It is not at all impossible to include this aspect in ones priority. Ultimate satisfaction is derived through giving (or contributing).
Our ancient texts also subscribe to what is known as regulated work. This means one should not be toiling in the workplace needlessly. There has to be a fine balance between work and life. This is also an indicator of ones efficiency in work.
Our ancient scriptures talks about work in so much detail. The system of work was very much related to the culture of yoga ('linking up' or union) - in particular it is known as "Karma Yoga" (BG Chapter 3). The essence of this process is to view work without expecting any personal rewards out of it. In other words 'To work for works sake'. This method of approaching work would make one free from the bondage of ones work. It is our duty to work, but one should not long for the fruits of that work (BG 2.47). Here I wish to summarize the four pillars that will help one to do her/his work in accordance to this principle. (This post has been inspired from one of the speeches delivered by Dr. E. Sreedharan - 'Metro Man' to engineers)
1] Punctuality : Being punctual is a very important aspect in building a work culture. Most of today's jobs do not emphasize on an office time. However it is important for us to follow a daily routine where one comes to office in time and leaves the office in time. This virtue helps us to respect the time of others. Be it a lecture one has to attend, be it a meeting or a finishing an assigned task - punctuality is significant.
2] Ethics and Integrity : Every job has its associated ethics. It is important to inform ones boss, if she/he goes on leave. One has to exercise integrity in each and every aspect. It is not an excuse that you were not aware of a certain rule. Integrity goes beyond honest and corruption free. It has to percolate through your entire persona, in each aspect of your personal life as well.
3] Professional Competence : This aspect of the work culture brings out the cutting edge in a person. One should always update ones knowledge by exercising her/his scientific temper. Be it science, technology, culture, sports - one should always be up-to-date.
4] Social Commitment : The fourth pillar of a good work culture is to ensure that your work reaches out to the society. Unfortunately, many of the present day corporate jobs forgets this giving back aspect. It is not at all impossible to include this aspect in ones priority. Ultimate satisfaction is derived through giving (or contributing).
Our ancient texts also subscribe to what is known as regulated work. This means one should not be toiling in the workplace needlessly. There has to be a fine balance between work and life. This is also an indicator of ones efficiency in work.
