The Boniuk Institute hosted sociologist Elaine Howard Ecklund to discuss her new book Working for Better: A New Approach to Faith and Work, exploring how faith and values shape work in contemporary America.
A persistent theme throughout the conversation was the sacred-secular divide. Ecklund explained that despite decades of scholarship and advocacy, many in the church still view work as "worldly" and separate from God's concern. She noted that this tension affects how Christians - and people of all faiths - approach their workplaces.
Ecklund also highlighted that only a small fraction of workers see their work as a calling. While nearly all workers want to experience a sense of purpose, in the US, only about 20% report feeling called to their work. She illustrated this with stories from interviews, including workers in fields ranging from finance to fast food, showing how many discover their sense of calling only after entering the workforce.
Another key takeaway was that workers want to live according to their beliefs. Many feel pressure to compromise their values at work, navigating complex ethical landscapes without guidance. In turn, people are bringing their values to work, acting ethically on a personal level but unsure how to influence broader workplace systems. Ecklund emphasized that creating intentional spaces for reflection, mentorship, and dialogue can help workers translate personal ethics into organizational change.
The conversation also addressed leading through change. Ecklund noted that leaders - whether pastors, supervisors, or organizational heads - play a critical role in modeling principled pluralism: honoring the faith and values of all employees while fostering inclusive, ethical, and productive workplaces. "You don't have to share the same faith to share a commitment to making the world better," she said.
Overall, the event underscored the challenges and opportunities of integrating faith and values at work, highlighting practical strategies for workers and leaders alike to navigate the sacred-secular divide, cultivate calling, and act ethically in a changing workplace.
Watch the conversation on YouTube