Respecting the non-religious through the lens of humanity

 

Humanity is above religion. It is essential to respect the beliefs of non-religious people regardless of what religion one follows. Being a consultant, I have interacted with people of different beliefs and perspectives towards specific topics and life in general. From a consultant’s perspective, it is important and beneficial to imagine standing in other people’s shoes rather than imposing one’s views on them.

Let it not be about a religious or a non-religious person; All human beings should be respected, appreciated, and understood on their diverse beliefs based on humanity rather than religious segregations. Even in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 1 suggests that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”[1]. Thus, people should not have to earn respect based on their status quo, religion, race, or culture.

It is fine to respect someone who doesn’t agree with your religion or doesn’t follow any religion at all. This is an important concept for organizations, institutions, and individuals to understand in order to interact with non-religious people.

So, how do we spread the word and educate the masses about this level of acceptance? We can do this through interactive and informative sessions. Organizations and educational institutions can arrange seminars where consultants or coaches shed light on the topic and educate employees/students who have little to no knowledge of it. This could help them communicate and interact with non-religious people while holding no judgments. Such practices would also help in creating acceptance towards non-religious beliefs based on human dignity, and thus create a more inviting and collaborative environment in which to work.

Recognizing and comprehending human dignity is the need of time[2]. Creating an unbiased, nonjudgmental, and safe environment for every human being is essentially good for the entire world. How could embodying this type of non-judgement and acceptance of others regardless of differences better serve you and others in your work environment?

 

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[1] Nations, U. (2021). Universal Declaration of Human Rights | United Nations. Retrieved 10 May 2021, from https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights

[2] What is Human Dignity? Common Definitions. | Human Rights Careers. (2021). Retrieved 10 May 2021, from https://www.humanrightscareers.com/issues/definitions-what-is-human-dignity/

Respecting Others Religious Practices in the Workplace

Being a coach and training employees and employers in understanding the diversity of religion at the workplace.; I have learned through experience that religious diversity, if managed wisely, enhances an organization’s productivity.

May is the month where Muslims observe the Islamic month of fasting “Ramadan”, often pronounced as “Ramzan” in most Muslim countries, and subsequently celebrate the end of fasting with the festival of “Eid.”[1] Christians celebrate the “white Sunday” and Jews the" Shavuot," a festival to commemorate the day God provided Torah to his people on mount Sinai.[2]  

In order to keep harmony at the workplace, there are many strategies that work while managing the diverse religious workplace. First, in order to maintain harmony and productivity high at the workplace, one must learn to create a culture of freedom, respect, and dignity for all employees without exception.

Organizations may ensure that our recruitment process is unbiased and routinely tests the recruitment procedures for discrimination.

Organizations may also conduct regular workplace training to inculcate neutrality values and empathy in employees to accept and respect religious diversity through continuous guidance at the workplace.

Employers may consider giving a time off/ flexible leave policy for the employees based on their religious requirements. For example, they may provide leave as a matter of practice to Muslim employees to celebrate Eid with their loved ones. The same goes for religious holidays of all faiths.

Employers may also consider adjusting work hours for the employees who observe fast or any religious practices to avoid burdening them with an excessive workload.

Organizations can also schedule work interviews so that they don’t fall around the religious holiday in order to provide equal opportunity to people of all faiths in a tolerant environment.

Most importantly, organizations may also practice a no-tolerance policy towards any hate speech at the workplace.

Organizations may also encourage acceptance and discourage rejection based on differences of opinions, beliefs, etc.

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[1] The Conversation. “What is Eid and how Muslims Celebrate it.” https://theconversation.com/what-is-eid-and-how-do-muslims-celebrate-it-6-questions-answered-118146- (accessed 7 May, 2021)

[2] My Jewish learning.com. “Shaoth101”. https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/shavuot-101/ (accessed 7 May, 2021)