Religion and spirtuality in the Workplace?

Question

Is it legal to practice your own religion publicly in the office?

Does it help or diminish work performance?

Where does it cross the line?

As far as practicing your religion goes goes. Anything goes from WWJD mugs, open Muslim prayer 5 times a day, haircuts standards, give it a whirl

Answer 1

What do you mean by "practice"?

Am I allowed to wear my pentacle? Yes.

Am I allowed to start doing a ritual circle for the Sabbat in my cubicle? No - but this is not the appropriate place to do so, anyway, so that's not a problem.

Answer 2

Depends on where you work. It depends on the job, and "cross the line" depends on the individual perceiving it.

I've always said it crosses the line at "unwelcome/unsolicited proselytizing" and judgement of others based on your views of "morality", or denying people services, dignity and rights, etc. based on the same views of "morality".

Example of crossing the line; You have a patient who may or may not share your religion, lying there screaming in pain, verbalizing some colorful metaphors, and you, the nurse, or caregiver, tell them "no no no, you say 'praise Jesus'." THAT's crossing the darn line. I've seen this junk and it's disgusting. It denies the patient their rights, dignity and the palliative care the actually DESERVE and NEED which you are SWORN to give them according to your job.

_()_

Answer 3

It is legal as long as you are not requiring people that do not follow that particular faith to participate in the religious practices.

For example:
1. Opening a required staff meeting with prayer is not allowed because this shows disrespect for the non-religious and for the people of different faiths.
2. Refusing to hire or firing people based on their religious affiliation is also not allowed. Not hiring or firing people based on religion is a violation of the EEOC.

Answer 4

1) No, my boss knows and supports me. Know one knows when I pray (I do it with my eyes open.) My radio is on low so you must be sitting at my desk to hear it. If someone approaches, they know me and they know my walk. I have had customers comment positively on the radio station, i.e. "It's nice to hear something I know in an office..." Or, "Is that KLOVE?" It's cool!

2) Helps without a doubt. It's positive and uplifting (KLOVE.) This station plays mostly contemporary Christian music. Sometimes...Christian Rock (Third Day, Casting Crowns, Kutless, etc.)

3) I don't preach, if I am asked I will answer and explain without preaching.

Answer 5

The law protects small, tasteful, displays that to not interrupt the workplace. For example, I have the Shema, in Hebrew, on my dry erase board. It is small, it is tasteful, and it in no way offends or insults anyone else, so it's covered. If, however, I had written it in huge letters so lage that the Shema was *ALL* that was on my board... that'd be problematic.

Practice, however, should be kept private. Praying silently to one's self is one thing, pulling out a prayer rug and saying daily prayers in the middle of a meeting might be overkill.

Answer 6

When at work, I work. As a Christian I ask God to show me opportunities to talk to others I work with. Sometimes general questions can lead to a good discussion about God. But, I don't press my religion on anyone, I try to live by example the best I can. People know I'm a Christian and that I'm open to talk about it if it comes up.

Answer 7

Religion should never be in the workplace. At any time. Its a distraction, causes trouble between conflicting faiths (imagine a Christian and a Pagan working together that were both trying to practice their religion. Neither one likes the other religion because thats the way those religions are.

Just keep your religion at home. Its much safer because people will be people.

Answer 8

religion and spirituallity are two different things I am a Christian but not religious,you can worship God in spirit wherever you are religion is made by man and everyone has a right to accept or reject spirituality on the other hand is something no-one can take from you;religion is to carnal(man-made) and has no right in deciding where you worship personally i worship all the time ,meaning i talk to Him

Answer 9

I was once told I am not allowed to practise my religion in the work place. I answered awe c'mon where else am I suppose to sacrifice humans and burn insense. My boss said he had no personal objection but couldn't help but noticing work production was down when my co-workers were cowering in the corner.

Answer 10

religion in the workplace should not be practiced. I am a believer of GOD and have been baptised but I dont' want you to push your religious beliefs on me and I won't push mine on you. When you are at work, you have responsibilities to your employer. If you want to bless your food at lunch that's fine, but don't tell your fellow co-workers how to act. That's just rude. But, if they come to you, tell them you will be glad to help them after hours.