Workplace spirituality and occupational stress in Nepalese commercial banks workforce

Although workplace spirituality has been the focus of many studied, it has received little attention in Nepal. This study examines the association between workplace spirituality (WS) and occupational stress (OS). Data were solicited from 316 employees of commercial banks in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) with the weighted least squares mean and variance (WLSMV) parameter estimation method. The results demonstrate a negative association between WS and OS. Further analysis of individual components of WS – sense of community (SC), alignment of organizational and individual values (AOI), and inner life (IL) – confirmed that AOI and IL are negatively associated with OS, while SC showed a negative but not significant association. This finding highlights that WS is a crucial personal and job-related resource that can help reduce employees’ OS and, consequently, enhance their work performance. The findings present theoretical and practical implications for improving organizational practices and employee wellness.