Spirituality in the Workplace

Posted December 12, 2017

Religion may be a staple in the lives of many of your employees, while others may not consider themselves religious at all. To ensure that all employees are treated equally, create an environment that enables employees to practice their beliefs without forcing them on others. Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, employers must try to “reasonably accommodate employees’ sincerely held religious beliefs, observances and practices when requested, unless accommodation would impose an undue hardship on business operations.” The following provides some best practices in finding the right balance for your organization.insurance, horst insurance, religion, office spirituality, holiday spirituality

Holidays

To ensure employees are treated equally during the holidays, consider the following:

  • When planning holiday-related parties or events for your organization, avoid focusing on one religion’s holidays—consider celebrating holidays as a whole, or including multiple holidays, such as Christmas, Hanukkah, the Day of Enlightenment, etc.
  • Allow employees to display holiday-related decorations in their personal workspaces, if they do not offend others or infringe upon their beliefs.
  • Provide flexible scheduling, the option of telecommuting or paid leave, and give employees the option of using these benefits to attend religious services or to be away from work for holidays your organization does not recognize.
  • Avoid planning important work-related events (such as mandatory meetings and company-sponsored holiday parties) on days that coincide with holidays, even if they are holidays you do not personally celebrate.
  • Offer holiday swapping or floating holidays for employees who prefer to work on company-recognized holidays and use their holiday time on different days.

Company Practices

Consider employing the following practices within your company:

  • In your cafeteria and at company-sponsored events, offer foods that meet a variety of common religious-based dietary constraints.
  • Allow for dress code modifications to accommodate religious apparel.
  • Designate a private space in your office that employees may use for religious practices and prayer during their break times.
  • Do not include religion or spirituality in the hiring or firing process, employee training or as part of meetings or functions.
  • Encourage employees to welcome diversity and to be inclusive of other employees’ beliefs.
  • Develop a formal policy establishing that employees’ religious beliefs are respected by your organization.
  • Do not allow employees to use work time to solicit others to join their religious groups.
  • Do not allow prayer to take place in a group setting on company time (for example, do not allow employees to engage in group prayer after finishing a large project as a way of being grateful for the project’s success).

 

Religious issues in the workplace can be controversial and employers should give them serious consideration prior to responding. In an effort to reduce religion-related problems within your organization, be proactive by promoting diversity and developing a policy that outlines how religion fits into your place of business. In addition, explain to your employees how religious accommodations will be made in a nondiscriminatory fashion.