Remote work such as work from home or anywhere, has given employees unprecedented flexibility, but it has also left many feeling disconnected, fatigued, less committed, and quietly disengaging from their jobs. Remote workers may be logging in every day, attending virtual meetings, and meeting deadlines, yet many are quietly disengaging.
This phenomenon, often called quiet quitting, reflects a decline in enthusiasm, commitment, and connection to work.A new study conducted by the authors at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, reveals that spirituality can be a powerful source of psychological resources that help remote workers stay motivated, resilient, and connected.
Spirituality at work is about fostering a sense of purpose, connectedness, and alignment between personal and organizational values. It often involves a sense of transcendence, the feeling of being part of something bigger than oneself. For remote workers, who may experience isolation and a lack of direct connection with colleagues or the workplace, this connection can act as a powerful anchor. It helps them see their work as meaningful beyond routine tasks and deadlines, and it gives them a deeper sense of belonging.
The study highlights three key ways in which spirituality can benefit remote employees.
First, it nurtures a strong sense of meaning and purpose. When employees see their work as contributing to something valuable, they are more likely to bring energy and creativity to their roles. For example, a software developer working from home may feel more engaged when they understand how their code improves the lives of end users, rather than focusing solely on technical tasks.
Second, it strengthens resilience in the face of challenges. Remote work can present unique obstacles, such as reduced or lack of in-person communication, lack of feedback or immediate support, or feelings of disconnection from the team. Spirituality can help employees approach these difficulties with calmness and perspective. For instance, a customer service representative working remotely may use short mindfulness exercises between calls to stay composed and positive, which can make problem-solving easier and interactions more empathetic.
Third, it encourages a sense of community even in virtual settings. Feeling connected to others is essential for sustained engagement. Spirituality fosters this by promoting compassion, empathy, and mutual respect. A remote marketing team, for example, might start virtual meetings with a short round of personal updates or words of appreciation, which can build bonds and trust over time.How HR teams and business leaders can bring this to life?
While individual practices are important, the study emphasizes that organizational support is essential for spirituality to translate into better engagement and wellbeing. HR teams and leaders can take practical steps that work well in remote settings.
They can introduce short virtual mindfulness or reflection sessions at the start or end of the week, giving employees space to pause, refocus, and connect with their sense of purpose. They can encourage storytelling in meetings, where employees share examples of how their work has made a positive difference, helping others see the bigger picture. Leaders can also organize virtual peer-support groups where employees can discuss challenges, exchange encouragement, and celebrate wins.
Another effective approach is to ensure that company values are not just written in policy documents but actively discussed and demonstrated in daily interactions. For example, managers can highlight how current projects align with broader social or organizational missions during online briefings. They can also create recognition programmes that celebrate not just output but also behaviours that reflect compassion, collaboration, and integrity.
Why this matters for remote workers’ wellbeing?
The positive influence of spirituality in remote work goes beyond productivity. It supports deeper forms of wellbeing, such as a sense of fulfilment, personal growth, and alignment between one’s values and work. Remote employees who feel that their work is meaningful and that they are connected to a greater purpose often report higher satisfaction, lower stress, and more sustainable motivation. This can reduce burnout and help prevent the gradual withdrawal that characterizes quiet quitting.
Conclusion
In a world where work is increasingly mediated through screens, fostering spirituality in the workplace is not about religious practices or rituals. It is about helping employees find personal meaning, stay connected to others, and align their work with their values. When organizations actively support this, remote workers are more likely to remain engaged, resilient, and committed.
For human resource practitioners and business leaders, this means moving beyond purely transactional relationships with employees and investing in initiatives that address their deeper psychological and emotional needs. The result is a workforce that is not only more productive but also more fulfilled, adaptable, and loyal.