We usually imagine St. Joseph as “The Worker,” but what about St. Joseph “The Employer”? Jesus surely would have grown up working for His earthly father, and there surely were times when projects were so large that Joseph needed to bring in additional hands for support.

St. Joseph was an entrepreneur, a handyman, a small business owner struggling to make ends meet. He might not have been too different from employers today, many struggling in the aftermath of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

So, what can employers learn from the example of the greatest sinner-made-saint in history? Here are six key lessons:

1. Have hope.

Can you imagine what it would have been like for St. Joseph when God asked him to take his family and flee to Egypt? Can you imagine the thoughts racing through his head: “What about the projects I was planning to start on Monday? What about my plans to expand my marketing efforts? What about my workshop and tools? My business and clients?”

St. Joseph was able to see beyond the difficulties to the gleaming hope and life of fulfillment in the distance. He accepted his discomfort and embraced the wilderness seasons of his life. After much suffering and difficult work, he was given a title reserved solely for him—no other person in all of human history can claim it—“Savior of the Savior.” So, hang in there, it’s going to be alright.

2. Be patient.

Did you know St. Joseph was so incredibly patient with the circumstances of his life and his relationships that the Church honored him with the title “Mirror of Patience?” It’s true. Next time we face tired afternoons at work, workplace drama, or the weaknesses of ourselves or our employees, let’s remember St. Joseph’ s gentle patience. St. Joseph cultivated an environment of patience, mutual respect, and loving kindness in his life. If we do the same, we’ll develop a more peaceful work environment for our workers and selves–isn’t that what we all want?

3 Be fair.

Do you think St. Joseph ever intentionally shorthanded a client? Or let a wobbly table leave his workshop? Not likely. Before the fall of man in Genesis, we know that Adam worked in the Garden of Eden. After the fall, we’re still working. Work is an essential part of being human. By looking at the life of Jesus and Mary and how naturally they handled long distance travel and constantly tending to the needs of others, we can see that hard work must have been important to their family. St. Joseph must have loved to work and loved giving others their due: quality workmanship.

From this example, we can be assured that St. Joseph cared for his workers, provided them a fair wage, reasonable job expectations, time off for rejuvenating rest, and reasonable accommodations.

4. Empower those in your care.

St. Joseph’s community was so impacted by his example that they called him “righteous.” Many people were placed into the life of St. Joseph, and St. Joseph led them all from behind, pressing them ahead of his own self, disappearing quietly in the background. He now holds one of the highest places of honor in Heaven: innumerable multitudes seeking his counsel.

Did you know that Christ served his apostles with the same attitude that St. Joseph had in caring for those in his care? He uplifted them, empowered them, and helped them to succeed and grow and better become who God created them to be. By caring for our employees, we help their families, better our workplace community and business efforts, and, in turn, we better all of society little by little.

5. Transform the Culture.

“What good can come from Nazareth?” From an outsider perspective, Nazareth was a backwater town of complete insignificance. But for those who frequented St. Joseph’s workshop, you can imagine a much different attitude. St. Joseph’s impact on his community was profound, and the example of his family was well…Holy. Jewish, Greek, Roman, whoever his clients may have been, we know they saw him as “righteous” That’s a mighty compliment even today.

St. Joseph used his authority at home and in his workplace to sanctify his little slice of first century Roman society and culture. Do you think St. Joseph’s clients, workers, and neighbors struggled with gossip, immodesty, or even a lack of self-confidence? Through his dynamic, glowing example, he led by good example, sound guidance, and loving policies and action. As employers, we’re no different. We’re a city on a hill, the salt of the earth, children of God. We’ve got this.

6. Make Loving and Serving God the Highest Priority.

Trying to schedule contractors to help with house projects is challenging today. It seems like no matter what we do, things always seem to break down. Homeowners in the first century likely struggled caring for their homes as well. St. Joseph’s plate must have been pretty full. Serving God, traveling to and from the Temple, caring for his wife, raising the Son of God, and running a small business – it’s not surprising the man is traditionally depicted sleeping! In the midst of all the chaos of his life, there is one thing St. Joseph successfully maintained and that was his relationship with God. He placed God as the highest priority in his life, and in turn, God breathed life into every relationship and task St. Joseph tended to. St. Joseph knew that if he sacrificed his heart to God, God would provide. We’re no different. And better yet, St. Joseph’s here to help us! St. Joseph the Worker, pray for us!