Understanding Relational Poverty in the Workplace

In today’s fast-paced, digital-first world, employees are more connected than ever—yet many still feel deeply isolated. This phenomenon, known as relational poverty, occurs when individuals lack meaningful, supportive relationships in both their personal and professional lives. As organizational leaders, we have a responsibility to recognize and address this silent struggle.

Meet Our Guest: Patricia M. Wright, LCSW

In this episode, we welcome Patricia M. Wright, LCSW, Executive Director of Upward Call. Patricia holds a B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies and a B.A. in Psychology from Regent University. She earned her Master’s in Social Work from Millersville University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is also completing her Doctor of Social Work (ABD) and pursuing a Doctor of Ministry in Leadership at Lancaster Bible College.

Key Discussion Points

Join Patricia and Mark as they navigate the complexities of relational poverty in today’s workplace. This episode covers:

• What relational poverty is and its impact on employee well-being and performance

• HR’s role in fostering a workplace culture that promotes connection and emotional support

• Practical strategies for integrating counseling services, mentorship programs, and faith-based support to help employees build meaningful relationships

Listen & Learn

Discover how HR can be a bridge to healing, connection, and faith-driven support in the workplace. Tune in to gain valuable insights and tools for cultivating a culture of care in your organization.

Concerned about your organization’s as-is HR programs? The benefits of having a trusted partner guide you and your team to excellence are invaluable. Contact us today. You and your employees will be glad you did.

Rise with us by implementing our high-performance remote human-resource programs to help find great people! E-mail us here.

Mark A. Griffin is president and founder of IHN HR. Connect with him on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Special Guest: Becca Spradlin | Author, Speaker, Mission Drift & Strategy Consultant | Kingdom Culture Builder Hosted by Mark A. Griffin.

“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” — Proverbs 29:18

Episode Overview:

Mission statements are more than just words on a wall—they’re the heartbeat of your organization. But are they being lived out in daily operations? Are your hiring practices, reviews, and leadership conversations aligned with your stated mission and values?

In this inspiring episode of Encouragement for Work, host Mark Griffin is joined by author and mission drift expert Becca Spradlin. Together, they unpack what it means to manage mission from the inside out—making it not just a message, but a measurable part of workplace culture in order to avoid drift.

What You'll Learn:

• Why addressing mission drift is not optional for Christian employers—it’s an organizational imperative, especially for HR.
• The critical role that leaders and HR professionals play in building organizations that cultivate and perpetuate a higher purpose.
• How to integrate mission into hiring, onboarding, and performance evaluations
• What it looks like to recognize and reward missional behaviors
• Practical ways to reignite your team’s connection to your mission

About Our Guest: Becca Spradlin

With nearly 20 years of global organizational development experience, Becca Spradlin is passionate about building cultures where people thrive and Christ is honored. Becca helps leaders clarify their mission and align it with strategic execution. Her company, On Mission Advisors, equips faith-driven business and nonprofit leaders to build purpose-driven organizations that advance the Kingdom. Connect with Becca on LinkedIn

Becca is the author of Lead On Mission: How Christian Business Leaders Advance Faith at Work and Leave a Legacy of Eternal Impact in a World of Mission Drift (www.LeadOnMissionBook.com). She also co-authored the Mission True Workbook with the authors of Mission Drift. She served as a research fellow at Seattle Pacific University’s Center for Faithful Business, where she researched faith cultivation and drift in Christian-led businesses. She writes and speaks on how companies can define and align their firms around faith and avoid drift.

Key Episode Quote

“Mission Management means making sure people don’t just know the mission—they’re equipped and encouraged to live it. HR isn’t just about compliance—it’s about calling.” — Becca Spradlin

Concerned about your organization’s as-is HR programs? The benefits of having a trusted partner guide you and your team to excellence are invaluable. Contact us today. You and your employees will be glad you did.

Rise with us by implementing our high-performance remote human-resource programs to help find great people! E-mail us here.

Mark A. Griffin is president and founder of IHN HR. Connect with him on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Even years after COVID, many people remain disconnected—unplugged from the communities where they work, live, and serve. Some still feel disenchanted and uncertain about how to reengage.

But what if there were an opportunity to reconnect—with like-minded people, shared values, and a Christ-centered purpose? What if believers could be equipped and empowered to bring their faith boldly into the marketplace?

That’s the vision behind the Pennsylvania Christian Chamber of Commerce (PCCC)—launching in 2026.

Through strategic training, mentorship programs, and faith-integrated business resources, the Chamber is committed to equipping its members with the tools they need to thrive both professionally and spiritually. This includes:

• Business development rooted in biblical principles
• Workshops on ethical leadership and purpose-driven entrepreneurship
• Opportunities for prayer, worship, and prophetic insight in business planning

The PCCC will serve as a vital hub where business and faith intersect—creating an atmosphere where believers are not just permitted but encouraged to live out their faith boldly and unapologetically.

On this episode of the Encouragement for Work Podcast, you’ll learn how to support this exciting new movement and become part of what God is building not only across the state of Pennsylvania but nationally as well!

Meet Karl Diffenderfer, the visionary leader behind this initiative. Karl is spearheading the launch of this statewide organization—the Pennsylvania Christian Chamber. His leadership will empower Christian business leaders throughout Pennsylvania to grow, connect, and advance together.

At its core, the PCCC’s mission is clear and compelling:

Connecting business leaders to build enterprises that glorify God and advance His Kingdom.

Tune in to this episode to discover how the PCCC’s vision goes beyond business success—it’s about creating a connected network of Christian chambers across Pennsylvania, like tributaries feeding one great river. Together, these chambers will nurture businesses that flourish spiritually, personally, and professionally—setting a Christ-centered standard of excellence and influence throughout the marketplace.

Concerned about your organization’s as-is HR programs? The benefits of having a trusted partner guide you and your team to excellence are invaluable. Contact us today. You and your employees will be glad you did.

Rise with us by implementing our high-performance remote human-resource programs to help find great people! E-mail us here.

Mark A. Griffin is president and founder of IHN HR. Connect with him on LinkedIn and Twitter.