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Original poster

Religion in the workplace

531 replies

Whatothink · 04/03/2026 17:27

For the last month we have been sent messages email, background screens and management briefings for a particular religion.

the following messages to

”showing visible support,
encouraging meaningful conversations, and deepening our understanding of the experiences of those of observences”

as well as being told to be considered with meetings etc and thoughtful and supportive!!!

OP posts:
RobinEllacotStrike · 04/03/2026 18:20

Pebbles16 · 04/03/2026 18:13

Where to start... it's not about religious guidance, education or interference, it's about supporting colleagues no matter their religion, and you/we should accept religion is an important part of many people's lives even if it not part of ours.

Show quote history

But I think religion is dangerous outdated nonsense - and I do not want to engage with my EMPLOYER or COLLEAGUES about it.

Think of this as "my religion" or my protected belief if it helps.

I can support eveyones right to freedom of religion, but I do not expect to be guided, or prompted in anyway about religion AT WORK.

I hear "Sally needs XYZ considerations/support/whatever because of her religion" as "Sally needs you to please kindly think about her magical invisible friend" - which I will not do.

AnAppleAWeek · 04/03/2026 18:14

Whatothink · 04/03/2026 17:45

I think religion should be separate from work and not pushed onto others.

Did you call this out at Christmas?

Or Easter?

No?

Though not.

MayaPinion · 04/03/2026 18:13

Does this really matter to you?

Pebbles16 · 04/03/2026 18:13

RobinEllacotStrike · 04/03/2026 18:06

Other peoples religion is none of my concern and I want nothing to do with it.

I would not expect any religious guidance, education or interference at all from my employer. Any such efforts by my employer would likely infringe my rights & freedoms around religion/beliefs or the lack thereof.

Your employer should proceed cautiously.

Where to start... it's not about religious guidance, education or interference, it's about supporting colleagues no matter their religion, and you/we should accept religion is an important part of many people's lives even if it not part of ours.

LollipopLil · 04/03/2026 18:13

Huckleberries · 04/03/2026 18:01

You can be a decent, thoughtful human being without having conversation conversations about personal stuff.

The OP specifically said "encouraging meaningful conversations". I don't want to feel obliged to do that at work.

no wonder no one is professional anymore. Good leadership comes from the top. This isn't it.

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It's a suggestion, not an order.

somanychristmaslights · 04/03/2026 18:13

Whatothink · 04/03/2026 18:00

Not all religions are treated equally at this workplace.

Do you get Christmas and Easter Sunday off?

Arlanymor · 04/03/2026 18:12

Whatothink · 04/03/2026 18:00

Not all religions are treated equally at this workplace.

That's a different issue to the one that you started this thread about... drip feed.

SerendipityJane · 04/03/2026 18:12

RobinEllacotStrike · 04/03/2026 18:06

Other peoples religion is none of my concern and I want nothing to do with it.

I would not expect any religious guidance, education or interference at all from my employer. Any such efforts by my employer would likely infringe my rights & freedoms around religion/beliefs or the lack thereof.

Your employer should proceed cautiously.

It's only a screensaver ....

Arlanymor · 04/03/2026 18:12

ilovesooty · 04/03/2026 17:59

Why?

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I think it was a joke.

BillieWiper · 04/03/2026 18:11

If it's Ramadan it's probably something like not offering them food if possible and just being respectful of the fact that some Muslims can't participate in any daytime office bonding around food at this time.

Seems totally reasonable. Though almost a shame they felt the need to send such a message. You'd hope people who don't observe Ramadan have been working alongside those that do for hundreds of years so it shouldn't be an issue.

LordEmsworth · 04/03/2026 18:07

I can see why you'd find being thoughtful and supportive challenging.

RobinEllacotStrike · 04/03/2026 18:06

Other peoples religion is none of my concern and I want nothing to do with it.

I would not expect any religious guidance, education or interference at all from my employer. Any such efforts by my employer would likely infringe my rights & freedoms around religion/beliefs or the lack thereof.

Your employer should proceed cautiously.

NorthXNorthWest · 04/03/2026 18:05

ilovesooty · 04/03/2026 18:03

No one has suggested instigating conversations. Encouraging means listening and being open to them if they arise.

Edited
Show quote history

The OP is being asked to engage in those conversations. Which I do think oversteps the mark.

Echobelly · 04/03/2026 18:05

LollipopLil · 04/03/2026 17:58

They're not pushing it onto you.

They're asking you to be decent, thoughtful human beings.

Show quote history

Yes, they're just asking you to be considerate that other people may be fasting and not feeling their best. They're not demanding you change your belief system!

SerendipityJane · 04/03/2026 18:04

ilovesooty · 04/03/2026 17:57

What's wrong with asking you to be aware of Ramadan and show consideration to those fasting?

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When I last worked in an office over Ramadan, one of the directors (who happened to be a muslim) was very down on suggestions of consideration. He said while it was very kind, and no doubt well meant, Ramadan was a very personal and direct part of Islam and something an observant Muslim would bear silently without performance.

People - while being funny the world over - are endlessly fascinating.

ilovesooty · 04/03/2026 18:03

Huckleberries · 04/03/2026 18:01

You can be a decent, thoughtful human being without having conversation conversations about personal stuff.

The OP specifically said "encouraging meaningful conversations". I don't want to feel obliged to do that at work.

no wonder no one is professional anymore. Good leadership comes from the top. This isn't it.

Show quote history

No one has suggested instigating conversations. Encouraging means listening and being open to them if they arise.

NorthXNorthWest · 04/03/2026 18:03

You are being asked to treat your colleague with tolerance and respect which is reasonable. If the observance of religious practices mean that you have to disproportionally more work then it would be reasonable to raise a complaint about the distribution of the work, but not the religion.

As for discussions, that is your company overstepping. I personally would not get into a discussion about religion with anyone in the workplace. I am not interested in discussing anyone's god or practices with them. If you are treating them with respect there shouldn't really be any need to.

PolyVagalNerve · 04/03/2026 18:02

Whatothink · 04/03/2026 18:00

Not all religions are treated equally at this workplace.

Christmas ??
Easter ??
Ramadan ??

not given same priority - really ??

HighLadyofTheNightCourt · 04/03/2026 18:02

Whatothink · 04/03/2026 18:00

Not all religions are treated equally at this workplace.

That’s a completely different issue though

Huckleberries · 04/03/2026 18:01

LollipopLil · 04/03/2026 17:58

They're not pushing it onto you.

They're asking you to be decent, thoughtful human beings.

Show quote history

You can be a decent, thoughtful human being without having conversation conversations about personal stuff.

The OP specifically said "encouraging meaningful conversations". I don't want to feel obliged to do that at work.

no wonder no one is professional anymore. Good leadership comes from the top. This isn't it.

LollipopLil · 04/03/2026 18:01

Whatothink · 04/03/2026 18:00

Not all religions are treated equally at this workplace.

Do you work for a water company?

Drip...drip...drip.

Just spit out what you want to say 🙄

ilovesooty · 04/03/2026 18:01

Whatothink · 04/03/2026 18:00

Not all religions are treated equally at this workplace.

In what way?

HighLadyofTheNightCourt · 04/03/2026 18:01

PowerhouseOfTheCell · 04/03/2026 17:53

YANBU, just reading that makes me want to paint a roundabout in anger

Why?

Pebbles16 · 04/03/2026 18:01

Whatothink · 04/03/2026 17:45

I think religion should be separate from work and not pushed onto others.

I would assume it's about Ramadan and having compassion for people who observing a fast between sunrise and sunset so... in reality: don't offer them drinks during meetings; perhaps avoid meetings that might involve food such as a lunchtime meeting; realise they may feel fatigued. It also might affect taking regular medication so this should also be born in mind. There are more prayers expected during this period so be aware and non-critical of that.

But, we are also in Lent and some people are giving up coffee and treats - so again don't offer; some people may have given up alcohol so don't insist on a work night out.

Religion is a protected characteristic, but also a time to understand more about religions (whether you believe them or not, they are culturally significant) and your colleagues.

Passover is also around Easter time so it's a great opportunity to understand more about Judaism as a religion.

I am not a religious person but appreciate understanding what is important to my colleagues' and friends' lives.

Original poster
Whatothink · 04/03/2026 18:00

Not all religions are treated equally at this workplace.

OP posts: