[Islam-Online- Society]

Office perks aren’t what they used to be. Today’s executives are finding inventive ways of enticing and applauding their employees. The change is especially prominent in the technology sector. Not surprising, given the profile of so many high-tech bosses. They are young, creative, risk-takers. Pushing the envelope is what got them where they are, who better to bend the rules of office benefits.

At the Gymboree headquarters, every Wednesday means free milk and cookies for employees. This children’s retailer also breaks for “recess” on Thursdays. Combined with more standard benefits, such as free career training and generous insurance plans, it’s a hard package to argue with.

And it’s the new trend with employers all over the country, and the world where multinational corporations are considered. Always needing more workers, but wary of increasing wages, employers are competing to find creative, unusual, and generally inexpensive ways of attracting employees and keeping them attracted to the company. Hard to complain too much when the company provides your children’s summer camp and you are allowed to use a company BMW to drive them around.

Companies are seeing the spiritual side of things too. An employee that is feeling more fulfilled spiritually is better for everyone. Many major chains, such as Wal-Mart, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut have on-staff chaplains that are of any religion requested by employees. They are available as counselors, even performing wedding or funeral services if called upon.

Does it work?
It seems to. While most workers can expect a less than average raise this year, and insurance benefits are shrinking, atypical benefits are winning over employees. Extra vacation time or the option of telecommuting seems to go over better with employees than the extra money would. And it works out better for the employer because buying tents where staff can take nap breaks is a lot cheaper than a raise in pay.

Today’s employers are listening to their employee’s request for benefits. In a world where people change jobs much more frequently than in the past, it is to everyone’s advantage. Four main arguments work in the favor of the employee needing a little more from their employer.

Majority rules (or at least influences). If it really seems that everyone in the office is pushing for something, chances are that someone is going to look at the matter twice.
It won’t cost much…might even make us a little money. This is where casual Friday came into being. Letting employees dress down makes the staff happy and costs the company nothing. The trend is moving toward dress down everyday. Sometimes unique benefits, such as letting the company help with everyday errands such as dry-cleaning, can even mean a little extra profit for the company. If the company handles the daycare or even school for the children, the time usually spent driving can be spent as productive office time.
It’s what the other offices are doing. This one is great leverage for employees. Companies know that if they want to hold onto their workers, they have to compete with nearby employers.
It’s only fair. California company, Gymboree added adoption leave when someone pointed out that if new mothers get paid leaves, they are equally entitled. The same argument has been made for accommodating religious activities. Saturday and Sunday are off anyway, isn’t it only fair that Muslim employees get time to attend services on Friday?

The Spiritual Side
All these rather unconventional workplace concepts require that one have somewhat of an open mind to appreciate them. Toleration in the workplace has spread beyond just casual-dress days and letting workers play golf in the office parking lot. More and more, religion is becoming an accepted part of the corporate office. Again, thanks to young bosses and a growing sense of spirituality.

A survey of Americans demonstrates a real desire for more spirituality in their lives. “Do you feel the need in your life to experience spiritual growth?” Seventy-four percent of Americans said, “yes,” as opposed to only twenty percent in 1994. The corporate world recognizes this need and is responding. The taboo against mixing religion and work is quickly eroding.

Many corporations incorporate spirituality, if even in as generic a form as possible, into meetings and other workplace activities. Ancient Indians “talking circles” are alive and well in one small business in Mexico City. Everyone sits cross-legged in a circle before meetings. A rock is passed around and, as each person holds it, he is to share something that has affected his spirit in the past week.

Muslims are making their presence known as well. As tolerance for religious discussion increases, the opportunity for practicing Islam in its fullness is there. Othman Atta, a lawyer in Milwaukee, Michigan, does his daily prayers in his office. The adhan (call to prayer) can be heard from his computer. His influence has even banned alcohol from being served at office parties.

It is no longer necessary for employees to leave their religion at home. Companies are becoming more receptive to the needs of individuals, and to the staff as a whole. There is a new thinking in the corporate world of today. It is a thinking that is very friendly to the Muslim community. Inshallah, Islam can make great strides with this new opportunity to display its inclusiveness.