This is really a book about understanding joy and work. Christian philosophy underpins the author's thoughts and this is evident throughout, eg: "God's intent for work, workers, and the workplace is inherently good. We are meant to experience success and joy."

The author is clear that joy in work is more about my attitude than the environment I'm working in. It's an attitude of the heart that informs my way of thinking and feeling. So It's not about what we are doing.

We are also to examine our hearts and attitude rather than looking to figure out the motives of our colleagues. It;'s about what we are prepared to give up rather than looking to see what we can get out of any given situation. In work, we are required to make an effort in order to grow and to be sure of our purpose. Through our work, we develop skills. Work builds relationships with others and we are designed to be connected. We feel more fulfilled when we work with people we enjoy spending time with.

This thought resonated strongly; that work is about producing something of value, that there needs to be progress (rather than activity).

It's about searching for a vocation rather than getting a job. The author contends that without purpose, work can be extremely tiring (body, mind and soul) so prioritising finding our vocation is a priority.

With thanks to Netgalley, Intervarsity Press and the author for my Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.

“My objective is to challenge, encourage, and inspire you. Specifically, this book will challenge you to engage in deep personal introspection, encourage you to have a healthy attitude when facing inevitable challenges, and inspire you to view your work as a calling or vocation.” - From Discover Joy In Work by Shundrawn Thomas

The quote above outlines what Shundrawn Thomas sets out to do in Discover Joy In Work and he does just that. He sets up the context as “The world has an employee engagement crisis, with serious and potentially lasting repercussions for the global economy.” and systematically unpacks what creates and diminishes engagement at work. He established joy as the measure for work, rather than engagement, and places it within the Christian construct.

The book is divided into three parts: the workplace, work ethic and work life. In the workplace, Shundrawn walks the reader through changing one’s attitude, altering one’s approach, raising one’s aptitude and ensuring one’s achievement to make the shift in perspective about the workplace.

“How we perceive our work environment also has a significant impact on our experience in the workplace. To maintain the proper motivation and remain productive we must perceive we are in a healthy work environment. It is impossible to find joy in our work if we do not have a constructive view of our coworkers and our work environment. Since we spend many of our waking hours at our workplace or on activities related to work, this has carryover implications for our quality of life.” - From Discover Joy In Work by Shundrawn Thomas

In the second part, work ethic, Shundrawn changes the perspective on society’s success measure: money, praise and pride. With a Godly view, he shifts the measure to joy and glorifying God. This section resonated for me as it shifts the power for change into our hands rather than it being uncontrollable. He also frames leadership as a skill for everyone to develop.

“Leadership in large part involves the ability to effect positive influence, and an individual can demonstrate leadership in any position.” - From Discover Joy In Work by Shundrawn Thomas

The third part discusses the purpose for work and it’s benefits, they are numerous!

“When you have confidence in your convictions and your contributions, you enthusiastically commit your time and talent to your work.” - From Discover Joy In Work by Shundrawn Thomas

I have been fortunate to be able to work in a career aligned with my gifts and with colleagues who are Christian and supportive, I can attest to much of this book. Joy in work is wonderful and worth working for, If you are looking to reframe work as a vocation, draw the connection from your spiritual self through to your work self and to develop your life skills, this book is for you. It’s five out of five on the en-JOY-ment scale and highly recommended.