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 agree, nothing to do with religion. We have to work alongside people all the time who we might not want to interact with for a variety of reasons.

I don't understand 'I'd really rather not know' - well of course, but what has this go to do with the thread? An email telling staff about Ramadan is not going to result in someone saying: "Guess what I married a 14 year old!" This reminds me of when we had the 7/7 bombings in London and the people speaking the most sense were the Islamic community who were the first to condemn the actions and say: "This is not what our religion sanctions - ever!"

Most muslims would baulk at the idea of marrying a 14 year old. Plus it's not legal in this country, so presumably a Nikah. Which is becoming more and more outmoded. I think you're mixing up ideas here.

I don't think anyone has to be tolerant of religions - any or all of them.

It makes an assumption that being religious rather than non religious makes you extra special and that people need to treat you in a different way.

Every person is worthy or respect, no matter what their religion or lack of it and no matter whether they keep that private or make it obvious.

I am absolutely against special laws or rules for people because of what they believe.

We must all keep to the same rules in work, in life and in law or we create resentment between us.

That is not an unreasonable belief

Our corporate policy is now to put every religious holiday they can think of on the calendar. We are advised to avoid scheduling meetings on these days. People should not be pressured to opt out, they should simply be able to take time off without having to explain.

This helps because the big Christian holidays are already offered as days off in the calendar so people do not need to worry about missing a meeting. They do not need to worry about outing or othering themself when they say they can’t make something.

this is the extent of the notifications. I think it is a reasonable balance. Don’t be a jerk and schedule an important meeting on a day someone else is likely to be using annual leave. Simple enough.

we also have quiet rooms with comfy chairs, space on the floor and an indication of direction. They can be used by anyone who needs a quiet moment. Again, no religion is singled out. They aren’t even just for religious purposes. You can use a quiet room to take a moment for yourself. You can do whatever you want as long as you leave the room in good condition for the next user.

I like that my workplace is trying to make sure that we don’t just treat Christianity as the default.

Because it’s human decency to be understanding towards your colleagues?

Unless your being told you have to convert it’s hardly being pushed onto you, someone at my work observes it, goes about it quietly and doesn’t talk about it unless we ask questions as we were interested.

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

That's not pushing religion on you. They're not making you go to prayer or fast. It's just about support and respect. We should support and respect anyone. Your post shows the need for these type of messages.
Do you have issue with talk about Christmas and Easter at work or is it just Islam that bothers you?

On what basis is it not unreasonable?

But them sending a round robin about Ramadan and saying if anyone wants to talk about it and it's meaning then speak to or go to xyz isn't commanding you to do or think anything. They're not trying to convert people to islam.

If you've no interest in religion just ignore it.

What I meant was, what needs to be done beyond the common consideration and decency I would extend to any of my colleagues

At my work place, we mention everyone’s religious observances - whether it’s celebration or something more solemn.

And people put on celebrations as and when it’s feasible/ someone has time.

You’re never going to have a workplace that doesn’t mention Christmas or Easter, for example, so keeping religion separate isn’t going to happen.

Does it?
Can I ask other posters? Is that how they would interpret it? That's not my interpretation of the word at all.

Genuine question: what happens when a Ramadan-observing woman gives birth, does she have to wait hours until she can officially "break fast" after being in labour?

I find it mind blowing how many posters here are so hostile to Christians but would never DREAM of being so dismissive or downright derogatory to Muslims, who clearly require the most careful and special pandering

It is generally separate, but would it hurt to move a meeting by 15 minutes if someone wanted to prey?

I'm atheist and a teacher but am very considerate to those fasting at the moment as they might be feeling rather tired.

She would be exempt, as are menstruating women and those who are ill.

I do agree a bit I must say. It would irritate me if an email went around about Lent for example . If they are going to do that they should send out an email regarding every single notable event of each and every religion out there .

I'm marking that as 5/10 for spelling mistake.

I think this sounds crazy, it’s unlikely to help anyone, unless you’re working in a religious field there is no need to talk about it at work. Just to be polite, civilised, open-minded and professional.

Equally, nobody should feel unable or afraid to mention religious obligations, for example, if relevant.

it wouldn’t do some workplaces any harm to remember that religion is a protected characteristic. Asking people to have meaningful conversations about Ramadan, though, is taking it quite a bit too far!

No, she doesn’t. Any more than an orthodox Jewish woman has to wait until after Shabbat to give birth.

So I’m assuming you continue working throughout Christmas, on Good Friday and on Easter Monday in protest?

Ah, thank you

What counts as ill?

So-what do Christians do that might require any special treatment at work? I am

What about all the Christmas-related emails and events every year? Do they bother you?

Being ill counts as ill. Just like it does for anyone else.