Dr. Rhonda Richmond
Much of what I discuss in “But God Gave Me a Pencil” is centered around my time with my children, but I was thinking back to when I first entered the workforce. There were so many things about office culture that didn’t make sense to me. It wasn’t the actual work—it was all the extra stuff that seemed to pull us away from what we were really there to do. Things like being expected to attend after-hours events to prove you were “dedicated” or team-building exercises that felt more like performance art than anything useful.
Have you ever experienced that? It can be exhausting, right?
Over time—and through my faith—I learned that there’s a better way to approach work, one that reflects God’s values. If we align our workplaces with biblical principles, we not only create healthier environments but also give people space to thrive.
Let me share a few things I’ve come to believe about creating trusting and effective work environments.
It Starts with the Work, Not the Socializing
I’ve learned from some amazing administrators that it’s okay to evaluate people based on their work, not how social they are. Proverbs 14:23 says, “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” Doesn’t that make you think? God values hard work. It’s not about being the loudest in the room or the most visible in a crowd; it’s about showing up and doing your best.
It was freeing to realize that I didn’t have to force myself to be someone I wasn’t. I could focus on my tasks and let my work speak for itself. And honestly? That made me a better teammate, too.
Clarity Brings Freedom
Have you ever been on a team where no one’s roles were clearly defined? It’s chaos. But when everyone knows what’s expected, there’s peace. It reminds me of 1 Corinthians 12, where Paul talks about the body of Christ. He says every part has a role—the eye can’t be the hand, and the hand can’t be the foot. When everyone does what they’re meant to do, everything works together beautifully.
That’s how it should be at work. Clear roles and responsibilities reduce confusion and give everyone the freedom to excel.
HR Should Be Fair and Just
Now, let’s talk about something tricky—HR. It’s so important that human resources be a place of fairness and justice. Leviticus 19:15 puts it plainly: “Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.”
I know HR can sometimes feel like a gray area, but when it’s done right, it protects everyone. It’s not about picking sides; it’s about doing what’s fair and right for all employees, no matter their position.
Workplaces Need to Recognize Unique Strengths
Have you ever felt like your way of working didn’t fit the mold? I’ve been there. But Romans 12:6 reminds us that we all have different gifts, and they’re all valuable. Some people are great at brainstorming; others are fantastic at follow-through. Both are needed.
Good workplaces recognize those differences and create space for people to shine in their own way. When that happens, it’s amazing how much better the team works together.
About That “We’re a Family” Line…
You’ve probably heard the phrase “We’re a family” at work, right? Sometimes, it’s great. It can mean people care for each other and support one another, like the early Church in Acts 2:44-47.
But it can also be a red flag, especially when boundaries aren’t respected. If “family” means you’re expected to sacrifice personal time or go along with unhealthy dynamics (such as expecting employees to work with limited pay, work beyond a 40-hour work week, or provide limited PTO), that’s not biblical. Ephesians 6:4 reminds us to nurture without exasperating others. That applies to the workplace, too. A healthy “family” respects boundaries and values balance.
Practical Wisdom for a Better Workplace
Here’s where it all comes together. Let’s think about how we can make workplaces better:
- Skip the Performative Culture. Jesus told us in Matthew 6:1 not to do things “to be seen by others.” Let’s focus on real collaboration, not empty gestures.
- Balance Workloads. Galatians 6:5 says, “Each one should carry their own load.” Fair distribution of work prevents burnout and builds trust.
- Foster Growth. Remember Proverbs 22:6? It’s about training up others—not just kids, but anyone we mentor. Invest in people’s development, and you’ll see them flourish.
- Encourage Rest. Psalm 127:2 reminds us that rest is a gift from God. A good workplace respects that and avoids overworking its team.
Let’s Create Workplaces That Reflect God’s Heart
Do you see how these principles can change the way we approach work? I’ve found that building trust, respecting diversity, and keeping the focus on the work God has called us to do creates an environment where everyone can thrive.
It’s worth asking: How do we make sure our workplaces honor God and each other? If you’re ever in a position to influence work culture, remember these biblical truths. They can make all the difference.
And hey, if you ever want to explore this topic further, let’s keep the conversation going. God has much to say about how we treat each other, even at work.
