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!!!

Can you explain to us all exactly how any religion is "being pushed on to" you, or anyone else at your workplace?

As all I'm getting at the moment is a feeling you might be off to paint a roundabout after work.

100% this. Couldn't agree more.

They're not pushing it onto you.

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

Why?

This would annoy me as well

It's one of the reasons why im
so grateful to have been able to stop work

All the crossover between personal stuff and work stuff I hate it

And you shouldn't have management encouraging you to have conversations about this

I don't want to talk about anyone's religion at work. Or their mental health or their sexuality or their gender identity or their politics

I don't know why people are being so rude to you I would find it incredibly annoying. It was much better when workplaces were just workplaces.

How is it being pushed onto the OP?

Not all religions are treated equally at this workplace.

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.

Why?

In what way?

Do you work for a water company?

Drip...drip...drip.

Just spit out what you want to say 🙄

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.

That’s a completely different issue though

Christmas ??
Easter ??
Ramadan ??

not given same priority - really ??

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

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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

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.

I think it was a joke.

It's only a screensaver ....

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