9 Important Steps to Making an Impact at Work

I am blessed  to be in a workplace where my manager is intentional in impacting people through our work. However, this may not be the case for many people who want to be making an impact, not only in their private lives, but also at work. I think the desire to be making an impact in meaningful ways—to contribute beyond just tasks and deadlines—is a deeply human longing, a whisper, if you will,  of something greater calling from within us.

As Christians, I believe we’re uniquely positioned to bring light into our workplaces—not merely through our words, but even more profoundly through our actions. I’ve learned that making an impact at work isn’t simply about grand gestures or loud declarations of faith (no preaching from the soap box). Rather, it’s often found in quieter, consistent expressions of integrity, kindness, and genuine care for our colleagues.

So, how can our faith practically and authentically influence our daily interactions and responsibilities, and how to make an impact at work in a way that glorifies God? What does it truly look like to make a positive impact at work—not just as professionals, but as followers of Christ?

As I explore these questions with you, my hope is to offer a practical yet reflective guide, helping you discover clear ways your faith can transform your workplace from the inside out. Let’s walk through these nine intentional, meaningful ways together.

1. Making an Impact Through Integrity and Excellence

One of the most meaningful ways I’ve found to genuinely impact my workplace through faith is by committing to integrity and excellence in everything I do. This comes from my conviction that work is ultimately worship unto God: 

Colossians 3:23 (NIV):

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

There’s a quiet yet powerful testimony in showing up each day, faithfully carrying out our responsibilities—not because someone is watching—but because we ultimately serve God through our work. Is the job still going to be mundane, or challenging, or stressful? Yes. But we should approach these moments with a different perspective in light of Colossians 3:23: we are worshiping God through it all, and that is how to make a positive impact at work in a way that reflects Christ. 

There’s also an added benefit of showing up at work with this mindset—consistently choosing honesty, transparency, and accountability builds trust over time. It signals to our colleagues that something deeper motivates our actions beyond personal ambition or recognition at work. That’s making an impact at work!

John Piper, in “How to Glorify God at Work“, articulates this succinctly by reminding us that excellence in our jobs doesn’t merely reflect on our character but also points others toward the character of the God we follow. When our work consistently demonstrates integrity and a pursuit of excellence, we quietly yet unmistakably “do all to make God look as great as he really is.”

2. Lead with Compassion and Kindness

Another way I’ve discovered we can meaningfully impact our workplaces is by consistently leading with compassion and kindness. The fast-paced nature of today’s professional world often leaves little room for genuine empathy. Yet, when we take a moment to pause, to listen carefully, or simply show genuine concern for our colleagues, we stand out—not for our sake, but as quiet ambassadors of the compassion of Christ.

I am reminded of Paul’s words in Ephesians 4:32 (NIV):

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

It strikes me that the kindness we are called to is not superficial politeness. Rather, it’s rooted deeply in the kind of grace and compassion we’ve personally experienced through Christ. I’ve noticed that when I genuinely listen to a colleague’s concerns, take the time to offer support, or show empathy during stressful situations, walls begin to come down, and genuine connections start to form.

This just happened to me a couple of weeks ago. There were some misunderstandings around a newly implemented hiring process and my colleague seemed troubled by some of the recent developments. I’ll spare you the details since it’s not important—the key thing is that when I noticed something was off, I decided to probe a little with gentleness and kindness. She opened up to me and explained what she was concerned about, and I was able to address her concerns while also establishing a personal connection with her. 

And this is not about being “nice.” Compassion at work means intentionally choosing to see people beyond their roles and responsibilities. It means offering grace when mistakes are made, extending patience when frustrations rise, and speaking encouragement even when we ourselves feel stretched thin—all in the name of loving our neighbours as ourselves. It’s easier to avoid the issue and say a couple of nice things, but taking the extra step to offer constructive criticism and helping our colleagues improve demonstrates love, thus making an impact on them.

3. Be an Encourager in Your Workplace

Building upon the importance of compassion and kindness, another powerful way to be making an impact at work is through intentional encouragement. Words carry extraordinary power—to build up or tear down, to foster confidence or to diminish it. As followers of Christ, our calling includes using our speech intentionally, to offer life-giving words that uplift those around us.

Proverbs 16:24 (NIV) paints this vividly:

“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

Imagine that! Honeycomb—sweet, nourishing, and restorative. Genuine encouragement does exactly that; it restores, heals, and strengthens those around us. 

I can recall moments at work when simple yet sincere words of encouragement transformed my day. I walked up to my desk the other day and saw that someone had left me a note. It simply said: 

“Thank you for your partnership in stewarding this business and relationships and all else it entails. It’s been quite the ride so far. So cool to watch you grow into all God has for you—very excited to watch you for the next 2.5 years!”

That just lifted my spirits and made me feel appreciated. You can do that for another person! Just write a simple but genuine acknowledgment of a colleague’s hard work, recognising their efforts, or affirming their value within the team. It’ll leave an impact on them for sure. 

In the rush of daily work, it’s easy to overlook these moments or assume our coworkers already know their value. But the truth is, many don’t hear affirmation nearly enough. As Christians, intentionally speaking encouragement can be a powerful expression of our faith, a quiet testimony of the value and dignity we recognise in each person.

Take a moment today—who in your workplace might benefit from a sincere word of encouragement? Your intentional words might be the gentle affirmation they deeply need, quietly yet powerfully reflecting Christ’s affirming love. Why don’t you take a moment now and just pen down some words of encouragement for a colleague.

4. Handling Workplace Challenges with Grace

Reflecting on the power of intentional encouragement also brings me face-to-face with a related challenge—dealing gracefully with difficulties at work. Workplace conflicts, misunderstandings, and frustrations are inevitable. How we respond, though, can profoundly shape the environment and the people around us.

If you’re serious about making an impact at work, you have to pay attention to this. It is in adverse moments where our values are tested and the people around us are watching our reactions. Romans 12:17-18 (NIV) speaks powerfully into this reality:

“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

I’m sure you have faced situations at work where someone had failed to do their job well, and that had a knock-on effect on you. In the spur of the moment, you would have had various thoughts and emotions flooding through your body. There’s always a temptation to react hastily, either by withdrawing into silence or responding in anger. Yet, choosing grace means actively pursuing peace, even at personal cost. It means intentionally withholding harsh words, choosing patience over frustration, and looking beyond the immediate disagreement to value the relationships involved.

Perhaps today you’re navigating your own challenging situation at work. How might choosing grace—rather than reacting defensively—impact your colleagues and workplace culture? As you consider this, remember that your quiet, patient response may leave a lasting impact, echoing the grace you’ve first received from Christ.

5. Be Diligent and Dependable

As I’ve reflected on navigating challenges with grace, I’ve also realised that much of our ability to positively influence our workplace hinges on something seemingly mundane yet profoundly significant—diligence and dependability. In a world where quick success and shortcuts are often celebrated, choosing to consistently show up, fulfil promises, and handle tasks thoroughly is counter-cultural.

When I think about making an impact at work, I’m reminded that our reliability speaks volumes to the people around us. It’s not glamorous, but quietly fulfilling our commitments reflects Christ-like faithfulness. After all, faithfulness is a core attribute of God’s character. As followers of Christ, we’re invited to reflect this same faithfulness in our daily tasks.

I remember a season when a colleague was consistently dropping the ball, creating additional pressure and frustration for our team. In contrast, another colleague quietly stepped in, completing tasks diligently, meeting deadlines, and genuinely supporting others despite receiving no direct recognition. It was a clear demonstration of dependability and integrity in action.

Dependability isn’t simply about ticking boxes or fulfilling obligations—it is about embodying trustworthiness and demonstrating the steadfastness of our faith through practical action. It’s about others knowing that when we say we’ll handle something, we genuinely will. 

6. Pray for Your Workplace and Colleagues

This is a quiet yet powerful way (one might argue it’s THE most powerful way) for people to be making an impact at work—prayer. I know, prayer isn’t always the first strategy we think of when considering our professional lives. Yet, it’s probably the most profound way to create lasting impact.

In the midst of deadlines, meetings, and daily routines, prayer has a unique ability to shift our perspectives. It reminds us that our colleagues are not just coworkers; they’re people with stories, struggles, and needs of their own. Through prayer, not only are we bringing their needs before God, but we are also transforming our perception of our colleagues—we are all sinners requiring a Saviour.

Philippians 4:6 (NIV) gently reminds us:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Prayer is an invitation to trust God with not only our personal concerns but also with our professional lives and relationships. It shifts our perspective, reminding us that our colleagues aren’t simply coworkers fulfilling tasks—they are people with hopes, fears, and struggles similar to our own.

By intentionally praying for our workplace and colleagues, we bring the presence and wisdom of Christ into the ordinary moments of our work lives. It’s an intentional act of faith, humility, and care. Prayer doesn’t necessarily guarantee immediate changes in workplace dynamics, but it profoundly affects how we respond to those dynamics. It cultivates patience, empathy, and discernment in our daily interactions.

7. Model Servant Leadership

The phrase “servant leadership” might seem paradoxical—after all, isn’t leadership typically about being in charge or making decisions? Yet, the leadership that Jesus modeled was radically different; it was leadership expressed through humble service.

This kind of leadership is vividly illustrated in Mark 10:45 (NIV):

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Jesus’ example transforms how we understand leadership altogether. Servant leadership isn’t about status or title; it’s about placing others before ourselves, actively seeking their welfare, and lifting them up. In the context of our workplaces, it probably means willingly stepping into tasks that no one else wants, taking initiative in supporting others, and quietly helping others succeed—even when it doesn’t directly benefit us.

Our culture is often driven by personal ambition. In such an environment, genuinely placing others ahead of ourselves will stand out powerfully. I’ve noticed that when someone actively does this, coworkers tend to take notice. Why? Because servant leadership naturally contrasts the typical pursuit of self-interest. It demonstrates humility, strength, and a genuine care for others—qualities deeply attractive to those around us.

Perhaps today you might consider this: What opportunities do you have right now to practice servant leadership at work? It could be taking on the less glamorous tasks without complaint, mentoring someone without expectation, or simply listening intently when someone needs your attention. In these quiet acts of service, we not only impact our workplace—we vividly reflect Christ’s humble, sacrificial example to everyone around us.

8. Be Ready to Give an Answer for Your Faith

Servant leadership, when lived out authentically, naturally leads me to consider another significant way we can impact others at work—being ready to share about our faith. Now, by this, I don’t mean preaching loudly in the lunchroom. Rather, it’s about genuinely living in such a way that others become curious about the hope we have within us.

Peter’s words in 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) offer clear wisdom on this matter:

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

Notice that the verse speaks not of forcing conversations, but rather of gently and respectfully responding when asked. When we consistently live out our faith through integrity, compassion, encouragement, grace, dependability, prayer, and servant leadership, people will notice—and eventually, they may become curious. It might come in the form of a colleague quietly pulling you aside after a meeting, intrigued by how you handled conflict with grace, or perhaps someone asking about the patience and kindness you’ve consistently shown.

It’s essential to recognise these moments when they come and be ready with thoughtful answers—not scripted responses, but honest reflections of our personal relationship with Christ. When people ask us why we live the way we do, it’s our opportunity to quietly yet genuinely point to the transforming power of God’s grace in our lives.

Perhaps you might reflect today on how you might answer someone if they asked you why you handle stress or conflict differently, why you’re so patient, or why you care so deeply about your colleagues’ well-being. A thoughtful, gentle, yet authentic response might draw them closer to understanding the grace you’ve experienced yourself, thus making an impact on them.

9. Be a Peacemaker in Conflicts

Finally, as I’ve reflected on all these ways we can make an impact at work, one aspect stands out as particularly challenging yet incredibly powerful: being a peacemaker in conflicts. Conflict in the workplace is inevitable—it’s part of being human and working closely with others. Yet, our approach to conflict as followers of Christ can significantly influence the atmosphere around us.

Matthew 5:9 (NIV)

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

It’s worth noting the verse doesn’t simply say peace-keepers; it says peace-makers. There’s a meaningful distinction here. Peacekeepers often try to maintain harmony at all costs, avoiding hard conversations and potentially allowing problems to persist. But peacemakers are willing to gently confront difficult issues, seeking genuine reconciliation and resolution.

To be a peacemaker means stepping into conflicts—not to inflame them—but to help resolve misunderstandings, mediate tensions, and rebuild bridges. It requires humility, patience, discernment, and the willingness to listen deeply and speak gently. It’s not an easy task; it takes courage and emotional energy. But its impact is profound, often transforming strained relationships and even workplace cultures.

Perhaps you’re in the midst of a challenging situation right now or can see tensions brewing around you. How might you gently step in as a peacemaker? Reflect on how your intervention might shift dynamics positively and reveal a glimpse of the restorative, reconciling heart of God to your colleagues.

Remember, when we act as peacemakers, we reflect a core aspect of Christ’s character—the ultimate reconciler—pointing our coworkers toward a peace deeper and more lasting than simply the absence of conflict.

Reflecting on the Power of Your Impact at Work

Making an impact doesn’t require dramatic gestures or elaborate words. It comes from the authentic expression of a life transformed by Christ, quietly and consistently demonstrating grace, love, and humility in the mundane routines of work. These intentional actions, rooted deeply in our faith, might be the very catalyst that sparks curiosity about Christ in those we work alongside daily.

The most significant influences often happen quietly—in the simple, consistent, yet profoundly meaningful ways we live out our beliefs every day. Whether through integrity, compassion, encouragement, grace, diligence, prayer, servant leadership, readiness to share our faith, or being a peacemaker, each act carries the potential to change the atmosphere of our workplaces and lives.

As you think about your workplace right now, consider which of these nine practices resonates most deeply with your current season. How might integrating one of these practices into your daily routine start reshaping your workplace and your own spiritual journey? My prayer is that as you thoughtfully engage with these ideas, you will not only become more aware of opportunities around you but experience the profound fulfilment of living purposefully in the everyday context of your work.

If you’d like to further explore how your faith can practically shape not just your work but your entire life, consider reading our article on “8 Signs of Authentic Faith.” It offers valuable insights into what living authentically looks like in practical, everyday contexts—including your workplace.

May your intentional actions reflect the hope and grace that Christ continually offers us, enabling you to meaningfully impact your workplace for His glory.