Religious people more likely to feel their lives have meaning

 (AP)

New research indicates that actively religious people are less likely to experience anxiety or stress at work than those who do not identify with a faith.

Dr Roxane Gervais undertook research with 34 full-time employees in the Caribbean, most of whom were young, female and single.

The findings are being presented at the Annual Conference of the British Psychological Society's Division of Occupational Psychology in Brighton on Thursday.

Dr Gervais' research concluded that those who are more actively religious were less likely to experience anxiety, depression or fatigue.

Religious workers who took part in the survey were also more likely to feel that their lives had meaning.

They said that attending religious services gave them greater self esteem, while also connecting them to a higher being.

Dr Gervais' research concludes that "religiosity in the workplace may act as a resource, making people more resilient to cope with the many challenges of working life".

"Such personal beliefs could be very helpful not only for employees, but also for employers providing people with a buffer zone," she said.

She also notes that workers are now looking to find more meaning in their work "than just a big pay check at the end of the month".

The increasing pace of life means that many are searching to find value and meaning in something bigger than themselves.

"We should hence encourage employers to accommodate, where possible, employees' religious beliefs while at work," Dr Gervais said.

"[We must] not shy away from the issue."

News
Church leaders condemn antisemitic ambulance attack
Church leaders condemn antisemitic ambulance attack

Christian leaders have been united in their condemnation of a firebomb attack on four ambulances operated by a Jewish charity. 

Pakistan temporarily halts plan to evict Christians from settlement
Pakistan temporarily halts plan to evict Christians from settlement

Faced with poverty and discrimination, many Christians have nowhere to go.

Where to enjoy Christian heritage on the King's new coastal path
Where to enjoy Christian heritage on the King's new coastal path

Here are five remarkable Christian stops worth visiting on the new King Charles III England Coast Path, each one rooted not only in its own history but also in the wider coastal landscape around it.

Rowan Williams ponders Anglican Communion's survival
Rowan Williams ponders Anglican Communion's survival

In two decades, the issues affecting the Anglican Communion have not changed but the divisions have only intensified.