Religion in the workplace

[Whatothink]

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!!!

I don’t think religion has a place in the workplace in terms of company emails etc. I think people’s religions should be accepted in terms of their dress and dietary/prayer whatever, though I would not expect others to have to follow suit (no cake debate). I may not eat meat on Fridays but I would not recoil in horror and be offended if someone brought in a ham sandwich.
I also don’t agree with state funded religious schools. C of E, Catholic, whatever, fine have them but not funded by me. Separate issue but connected.

You clearly aren't reading the posts where people think exactly that. People who wouldn't eat cake, or take in birthday cake, or would invite people for a drink or coffee after work to avoid cake!
And as I said that in itself takes no notice of what Muslims might do to break their fast or the actual time the fast will end. Inviting people to an event they can't attend seems rather silly to me. Even sillier than just carrying on as normal.

Sorry but you are the one who sounds intolerant.

Nobody is asking them to stop.

They are are asking them to BE MINDFUL!

Being offended by that is, IMO, butt hurt and childish.

It doesn't hurt to think about others and frankly, with the amount of pure ignorance and propaganda about Islam in this country I really don't blame employers for trying to head issues off at the pass.

but being offended or upset by your co-workers birthday cake during Ramadam is OK because .... religion?

You didn't actually answer my questions:

How do practising Muslims avoid food during daylight hours if they work in a restaurant or supermarket? Food is 'wafting' under their noses all day. In addition, are they permitted to prepare and cook food at home during fasting hours (to eat later in the day)?

Am I missing something or are working-class Muslims expected to have more self-control than the 'lanyard class'?

And could people remember that sometimes eating cake or a biscuit or chocolate is essential for those with T1 diabetes.

So many turkeys voting for Christmas commenting on this thread

Except it’s really not. It’s words on a screen. Is the employer penalising staff for not doing any of that?

JustSawJohnny
Nobody is asking them to stop

Clearly several posters have suggested just that:

The birthday colleague could buy their colleagues a drink after work [instead] or a nice coffee, it doesn’t have to be cake [in the office]

I would avoid eating or, especially drinking in front of a colleague who was fasting. If possible, I would avoid scheduling events like parties during Ramadan.

But not the employer? Simply MN suggesting what they would do?

Just “words on a screen” 😬

and yet her you are berating everyone for their “words on a screen”.

cognitive dissonance is quite the wrestling match.

I would choose to ignore the email, and probably get a right bollocking from people who think I should modify my behaviour.

One poster I quoted framed her post as though she was speaking as a manager.

Another poster up thread stated that her workplace did not serve food during meetings during Ramadan, implying that they did during other times of the year.

If your self imposed daily structure means that you’re not work fit- why impose this on others? annual leave!

Did you quote the wrong poster? Because your question has absolutely nothing to do with my post, but I'll answer anyway.

I emigrated to a Christian country (UK) for the reasons you state; because I knew it would align with my beliefs, and it was also a consideration for my Italian husband (also a practicing Catholic). I would not have emigrated to a country with vastly different beliefs and expected their citizens, politicians and institutions to accommodate my beliefs, and I wouldn't expect unquestioning compassion from my colleagues.

And finally, I wouldn't criticise the indigenous people of my adopted country if they dared to question my beliefs, I wouldn't call them names and expect an established system for their discipline if they found my beliefs to be out of kilter with their own established culture.

Why? What might you do that would call down a bollocking?

I have already commented on this thread but I wonder how many of the people who are jumping in and are so eager to side with the OP actually have Muslim colleagues.

I worked in London for 30 years with very diverse teams and had zero issues with Muslim, Jewish, or Catholic colleagues. No one tried to impose their faith on me (I have no religion) or to tell me what I could do or not do. My workplaces have always promoted awareness of diversity but this has had zero negative impact on me.

But I guess if you are the type that agrees with the Daily Mail or Farage you are going to go out of your way to get offended...

I would carry on as normal and not start asking questions or being supportive of people who want to not eat during daylight hours.

Tempted to report this for racism. But better if it stays. People need to know what horrible things are being posted.

No one tried to impose their faith on me (I have no religion) or to tell me what I could do or not do.
But I guess if you are the type that agrees with the Daily Mail or Farage you are going to go out of your way to get offended...

This is a lazy stereotype since a number of posters have suggested what people should and should not do. Also, having read your disparaging summary of the Catholic faith on another thread I wonder how you interacted with Catholic colleagues? Perhaps you think Catholics are not easily offended.

@CurlewKate that’s the posters lived experience. Not sure what you would call out poster Also acknowledging both sides

Have you or anyone you know received 'a bollocking' for carrying on as normal?