I have an employee who talks about their religion constantly throughout the workday. It sometimes turns into arguments between the staff. I have told this person to talk about other things like work, but it doesn't get through. Im tired of it and am perfectly within my right to fire the person according to my lawyer. What should I do?
2007-11-14 09:22:16 · 33 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Do, and get ready to see what God does to you and the business!!
2007-11-14 09:31:25 · answer #1 · answered by Ama A 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I'd talk to another lawyer based on what you've said here.
If you are in the US we are prohibited from discriminating against someone base on their religion.
If you use the argument that it's not the religion, it's disruptive, that could be okay, except that you have advised him to talk about something else, so it is not the talking that's disruptive, it's the religion.
Have second thoughts. Give everyone regular performance reviews. They should be geared to highlighting weak areas that need improvement and used to find some way to fire someone.
If everyone has the same opportunity for an honest, evaluation and this individuals attitude causes disruption in the workplace, then you shouldn't have to worry about discrimination suites.
2007-11-14 10:02:15 · answer #2 · answered by deepndswamps 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give him a written warning so that he realizes that its a serious offence. There is no reason to let someone go if they are talking about their religion, but it should not come down to arguments. If this man is causing trouble in your office, then the warning should say something to the effect "Disgusion of matters such as religion causing interoffice argumentation is strictly prohibited by this company. Consider this your formal warning that these topics are not to be disgussed on (Company Name) property. If this becomes an issue again, you will be released from service." You should talk to your lawyer about the wording for such a warning, however if you like this employees work ethic other wise and he is helping your company to move forward, then try a written warning. If you dont like the guy, he is not helping the company, and you want to fire him... so long as you are with in your legal rights... you should do so. Good luck.
2007-11-14 09:32:40 · answer #3 · answered by shadowsthathunt 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
like most have said consult a HR lawyer....
but since its actually cuased arguments this is almost
hands down a case for dismisal....
if they were only reading or praying queitly during lunch or breaks
there would not be alot you can do...but its not that...
it could be they want a court battle and are doing this just to win
money or place...if thats the case just accept your going to court.
as a pertty devot Christian i have found there are others that
take things sometimes a step to far, this also has to do with
thier personality type also so don't entriely blame it on christians.
it got pertty deep one time at my place of work and i took someone aside and told them as one christian to another
they were ruining the message of Christ with thier behavior.
they ignored me of course...but they did get a warning before
they got canned.
2007-11-14 09:38:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The person is employed to do a job, and not bring religion in to the work place annoying other employees.
I would give the person a warning to stop or face the consequences of being dismissed from the company.
2007-11-14 09:32:27 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
This is something that a lot of churches teach to do but I don't agree that they are right.If you are the boss and a person was hired to do a job then that's what they should be doing.
We are to give honor to whom honor is due,not ignore the boss and go on anyway like God is going to take care of the situation for them or something.Most of the time people doing that think they have a God given right to do it.
I agree with the written warning first.
2007-11-14 09:29:17 · answer #6 · answered by jackiedj8952 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I'd suggest first creating a paper trail that shows you have attempted to correct the situation, that the situation has been repeatedly discussed with the person, and that it affects the work environment. Best if you can fire them for not doing their job, rather than for "talking about religion".
2007-11-14 09:26:30 · answer #7 · answered by cosmo 7 · 7⤊ 0⤋
Incessent talking about religion at work is considered solicitation. We fired a girl many years ago for this. She tried to sue, and lost. The workplace should be free of religious preaching.
2007-11-14 09:26:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
I would explain that the next time they mention religion in the workplace, they will be terminated as it creates a threatening environment and takes away from other employees' ability to perform their job duties.
Then, can them if they do it again.
2007-11-14 09:25:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
I'm a Christian, and haven't fired the Pagan who works for me. He sometimes goes on about Paganism, but I don't get upset about it. We sometimes have very interesting discussions.
If this is leading to open warfare in the office, you might want to look at who is actually being the most combative. Is it the religious person, or someone else in the office who doesn't like what he has to say?
2007-11-14 09:28:07 · answer #10 · answered by Cylon Betty 4 · 4⤊ 2⤋
If it's affecting their performance - or that of others - which you would need to measure in some way - then the usual disciplining procedure can be initiated. But don't forget that many people in work places argue about everything and anything and that will not be a reason for disciplining.
2007-11-14 09:30:33 · answer #11 · answered by cheir 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋