In this Issue:
• Feature: Approaching Religion
• Book Nook: A Spiritual Audit of Corporate America
• Quotables: On the New Year
1) FEATURE: Approaching Religion
As we near the end of the year, it is a time to reflect and acknowledge those around us with the spirit of compassion, togetherness, and understanding. But how can this be done sensitively, when your members of your team practice different religions? Is bringing faith into the workplace a bad idea?
We all know that creating inclusive environments is a good way to promote employee engagement. How to do this without singling out some traditions, and excluding others?
DiversityInc.com just released an article on “Faith and Religion: The Last Taboo” that addresses the concerns that some of us may have, about approaching religion.
One suggestion includes: forming faith-based Employee Resources Groups (ERGs) that support creating a network of individuals based on their religion, enhancing employee loyalty and decreasing absenteeism.
Although we know that generating inclusive spaces is a positive way to boost employee morale, it is also lawful to do so. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 “requires employers to reasonably accommodate the religious practices of an employee or prospective employee”, unless doing so would create undue hardship upon the employer.
Accommodating religious customs does not come without controversy. Think back to the case of Imane Boudlal who filed a discrimination complaint against Disney when she was advised that she could not wear her hijab (Muslim headscarf) while on duty for work: http://articles.latimes.com/2010/aug/19/local/la-me-0819-disney-hijab-20100819 . And what about those who do not practice any religion, nor believe in it? How would incorporating faith within the workplace be inclusive to them?
Any policy change made within your organization requires careful consideration. Contact us at eds@executivediversity.com for more strategies on how to approach religion in the workplace.
Wishing you a Happy New Year from the EDS Team.
References:
DiversityInc.com. “Faith and Religion: The Last Taboo” http://www.diversityinc.com/article/8201/Faith-and-Religion-The-Last-Office-Taboo/
2) BOOK NOOK: A Spiritual Audit of Corporate America
A Spiritual Audit of Corporate America: A Hard Look at Spirituality, Religion, and 
Values in the Workplace by Ian Mitroff and Elizabeth Denton (1999).
Written over a decade ago, this book surveys spiritual beliefs and practices amongst managers and executives. Findings show that company performance correlates with an organization’s bringing together of company and spiritual values. Within this book, the authors also outline several models for how one can introduce spirituality into the workplace, capturing the strengths and weaknesses of each approach.
"A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other". - Author Unknown
"I made no resolutions for the New Year. The habit of making plans, of criticizing, sanctioning and molding my life, is too much of a daily event for me". - Anaïs Nin
"In the New Year, may your right hand always be stretched out in friendship, but never in want."
- Irish Proverb
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