Managing Religion in the Workplace

Author: Shelagh Prosser

US Consultant: Julie DiMauro

Introduction

Religion is a complex subject that can evoke strong feelings. A person's faith can be an integral part of their identity and can have an impact on their approach to working life. For other people, religion has no bearing on how they live their life, and some people hold strong views on its presence in the workplace.

Some employers may take the view that religion is a private matter and that it should not impact how an individual performs their job. However, the distinction between private life and work is not always clear. Employers should balance the needs of the individual with those of the business. However, in seeking to be fair and include people of different religions, they should not disadvantage people who do not practice a religion. This means seeking to achieve a balance between making reasonable adjustments for observance of a religion and ensuring that this does not amount to less favorable treatment of employees who do not follow a religion.

This guide discusses the key issues associated with religion in the workplace and identifies the steps that employers can take to address these issues fairly, while supporting the needs of the business.