Is there an unwritten rule that states talking about Politics & Religion at work is a big NO NO?..?

Question

*I work at a call center. A group of us always sit together, & while not taking calls we talk mostly about our love lives, some drama going on at work, juicy college drama-hehe. Anyways out of no where my friend Katie started talking to a co-worker (Aleigha) about the other night she & I hung out. My friend Katie; co-worker Cassie & others went to a lounge. At that lounge my friend Katie got in a religious debate with a friend of a co-worker's, I also debated. Katie was summarizing the story to a co-worker named Aleigha. Out of nowhere Cassie butts in & snaps, saying one things she does not talk about is religion, maybe politics, but religion can get nasty. She was already aggravated from a phone call. Our mutual friend Katie told her she did not see something wrong with that, I then told her it's not the government who started AIDS, Cassie said they did. Then she snaps "I don't want to talk about it." But no one invited her in the 1st place. Whats the big deal?...

**I personally don't see a reason to be so anal and overzealous. If you don't want to talk about it, then why but in, in the 1st place?..**CRY me a river.

Answer 1

I think you are right here. If you are working with mature adults it is interesting to have healthy discussions and not flip out if someone disagrees with you. Cassie sounds immature so in the future just leave her out and explain to her why. Good luck

Answer 2

RTR - you really have no idea what you're talking about. Personally I wish more people specifically christians were as misinformed about this subject as you are. It would save me so much BS as an atheist. I researched these laws after growing weary of hearing the two co-workers closest to me talk about jesus, church, bible study, jesus, church, bible study, blah blah blah. Here and there - whatever, no big deal, but ALL THE TIME?? Come on already. Anyway, I looked up Florida state laws and federal laws, and NO WHERE does it say religion or political conversations are illegal. Perhaps there are other states where this is illegal? I don't think so but if you can provide some verifiable information to the contrary I will stand corrected (and consider moving to that state thank you very much).

The answer is that while it is NOT illegal, some companies have written policies on this subject. Of course if you violate their policy you may be subject to termination. What IS illegal, is being in a management position and firing, not hiring, witholding advancements / raises, or demonstrating any other kind of discrimination due to religious beliefs IS illegal.

ANSWER TO THE ASKER: In my opinion and from my personal experience it is better NOT to engage in any sort of religious or political debate while AT work. Non heated conversations while offensive to some are not terribly harmful but can make a work environment very uncomfortable if others disagree with you. I just wouldn't do it if I were you. If you really care that much to have religious or political conversations with co-workers, take it OUT of the work environment. Say over lunch or drinks. Don't put others on the spot. Its just asking for trouble...

Answer 3

It's generally considered a rule that any subjects that would incite debate, i.e. religon and politics being the top two, should not be discussed in a professional working environment. Religion and politics are the most personal for many people because everyone has strong opinions and belives they are right. Often, religion is a personal topic deeply connected to someone's own beliefs and the way they are raised. They don't want to hear that what they have believed could be wrong. Going along with that, personal lives such as as dating, boyfriend drama, etc. are also considered to be off the limits at work. Forming friendships with coworkers at work is great, but I would limit work conversations to more pleasant topics.

Answer 4

You've answered your own question , if sports and movies create heated argument, think about what would result from differing factions of religion and politics . Religion and politics are the one of the prime movers towards a conflict. W e have a war running at the moment between Christianity and Islam , this is not only political but religious as well, in consequence most people are not inclined to discuss either subject in a social gathering, rather than stir conflict with people they know or are strangers to them .As a humanist I find some of the letters on these pages rather sad , because of the irrational intensity of the arguments , they do not seem able to make allowances for a different point of view , dogmatism is I fear the norm.

Answer 5

Well, there is a fine line between expressing your opinions and offending someone. I do know however, that any prospective employer CANNOT LEGALLY ask you about your religion during an interview or when you are hired. As for your co-workers, I wouldn't even bother. There is an old saying "Never talk about religion or politics" and it appears that saying applies to your situation. For me, I try never to get so personally involved with co-workers inside or outside of the office. That's why they're called co-WORKERS not co-friends. I did it once and will never ever do it again for any reason.

Answer 6

Hey Maverick! It's actually a stated rule in your policy and procedures. Personal beliefs are some of the strongest beliefs we carry because those are the things we were taught growing up. Think of them as your core beliefs. It's very rare your core beliefs change. Some of the things that make up our core beliefs range from politics, religion, sexuality. Those 3 items can fall into different categories. For example, there have been cases where individuals have not been able to get job because of their religious beliefs, sexuality, or political belief. The E.O.E. act ensures all people have the same opportunity for employment.
Wars have been started over the 3 items listed and also for that reason there is something that discusses in your policy and procedure hand book about offensive material. What you may not consider offensive, someone else may because of their core beliefs. Everyone has the right to their own beliefs. So even though your discussion did not include the third party, the fact that your discussion was loud enough for a passer by to hear did. And that was the infringement on his or her beliefs which she could consider offensive. To be safe, save your belief discussions when work has concluded and discuss everything else when you have time available. Hope that helps. Hopefully, it will also save you from losing your job in the future. Good luck! , )

Answer 7

Yes I've seen this too many times
Is it any coincidence that these two topics influence our lives more than any other but we are not supposed to discuss them
Death is another one by the way

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Could the reason why many people find it difficult to discus these topics is there is no right place ?
We have finished work for the day and we call into the local Bar on the way home
Hi... Ever thought about Death ?
Was it something I said?
It is sad that many are kept in ignorance and who gains Society certainly hasn't

Answer 8

Religion and politics are touchy subjects because they are very personal subjects. A lot of people feel talking about religion and politics is threatening their personal beliefs and ideals. Although debate and conversation are good things, discussing such areas where conflicts and differences are not only present but can result in affecting ones feelings are best avoided.

Answer 9

I think so. Politics and religion are controversial topics, which often cause people to have strong emotions. Sometimes when emotions get out of control, people say things that would be inappropriate for the workplace. So to avoid hurt feelings and regrets, you can stay away from those topics.

Answer 10

Cassie sound like an immature person who shouldn't have butted into your conversation. However, it is a good idea to avoid religion and politics at work.

Answer 11

Yes, these two topics pushes buttons in most people, because we are usually passionate about our beliefs. Sometimes it hard not to understand other beliefs.

This really should be avoided in the workplace, it only caused confrontation and can be uncomfortable for all involved.