Religion in the workplace?
I work in human resources and sometimes visit a forum for human resources professionals as a source for needed information. The other day, a member posted a question asking if it would be acceptable to put a cross on a newsletter wishing the employees a Happy Easter. My response was that she should not because she wouldn't want to give off the impression that the company promotes one single religion over others. I received tons of responses from "HR professionals" who were outraged stating that they should not be "forced to be politically correct" simply in order to avoid offended a minority group (non-Christians) within their organizations. I was utterly surprised at such a response from a group of so-called professionals on the subject of religion in the workplace. Why is it that religion seems to be the only topic that makes rational, professional people completely biased and unreasonable? Your thoughts/opinions?
What is the role of Religion in the workplace?
Will share some practical experiences on this. Was a finance manager for almost a decade. At every diwali the organization used to arrange a “laxmi Puja” and call me as well. Not once i went for the laxmi pujan. (This is the role of my religion - Jainism at work place.) Then i was transferred to a college where they used to celebrate ganpati. For the aarti i used to get calls. But i never went (This is the role of my religion - Jainism at work place.) One day one of my colleagues approached me and asked me if i was an atheist! I said no i am not. I believe in God but only the true ones. Role of religion at the workplace and everywhere else is to protect a person from all sorts of irrationalities.
Please help, Religion on the workplace?
I'm writing a paper in HR about religious discrimination and I would like to ask you out there to help me please. 1.Do you think that there is a limit for employers to accommodate employees' religious needs? 2. What do you think of; Follow religion as part of your personal life not part of the workplace?
Is it unethical to discuss religion at workplace?
I wouldn’t say it is unethical.But I would say that it is not advisable. It is not advisable under the following circumstances -In the team that I handle, I’ve got a couple of members who term themselves as “atheists”. I respect that and don’t cross that boundary. But the minute you impose a religion on someone that’s when you’re crossing boundaries and that’s when it’s not advisable.I have worked with people from various faiths. I’ve seen that a couple of people tend to pick on certain things related to religion and call that out - this is when things could get tricky and you would be walking a thin line. You never know how and whether this could affect the position that you’re in. I say this cause people may consider you biased or the like.If people accept religions without any animosity, I would consider it advisable and ethical.
Why is religion considered a virtue at workplace?
If a person expressed any strong religious beliefs during the interview process, it was a major black mark and generally ended our consideration for their suitability.It is considered extremely unprofessional to discuss religious subjects during a job interview.Additionally, my workplace experience with persons with strong religious views was problematic. They tended to be the ones being reported for gender and cultural intolerance, and scheduling challenges.Overall, with two otherwise equal candidates, I would always choose the one who kept their religion private and out of the work place..,,
Law about Listening religious music at workplace?
There's no law that I know of. However, if the music is sufficiently disruptive, the boss will usually decide to not allow music at all, or require the listener to wear earphones. The boss wants workers to work, and if one worker is disrupting the workplace, then that worker will have to change his/her habits, or face the consequences. Consequences might include getting a warning/write-up, getting demoted, getting suspended, or getting fired.
How can I deal with a highly religious workplace as an Atheist?
This is a tough one, and you have my sympathy. Avoiding the religious debate is probably a good policy, as you don’t want to become a target, but you need to stand your ground if actually challenged, be firm but polite.research the anti-discrimination laws in your area, just in case things go wrong, having a good understanding of your rights may be an advantage.But that is worst case, for a day to day approach, try to find common areas of secular interest, sports for example can be a great unifier. I doubt you will get but sympathy taking about your drunken night out clubbing. Listen in to other conversations and see what interests them, then research that subject.Learn about their religion too, as a way of knowing what subjects to avoid.Look for allies, maybe there are others who feel like you do, but also try to keep a low profile.And of course, when these annoying conversations start, bury yourself in your work and try to ignore them as much as possible.
Why is it not OK to talk about religion in the work place but its perfectly fine to talk about sex?
By Anubis' furry unmentionables, what on Earth are you doing talking about either of these subjects at work? Why not go for the trifecta and talk about eating babies or genocide while you're at it?It's generally not OK to talk about religion or sex in the workplace. It is, in fact, quite frowned on in most places. Stick to safe subjects.You might get away with talking about either, depending on who else is in the room. The operative word there is ‘might’, though, and even if you think you have gotten away with it, you may still get called into a disciplinary meeting a few days later. People are weird like that.Get some friends with similar conversational interests if you want to talk about those things.