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.
[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)
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