PLEASE NOTE: THIS SESSION HAS BEEN CANCELLED. The replacement session is titled, Exploring the Seen and Unseen Dimensions of Diversity in the Workplace.

As employers encounter new challenges involving expressions of religion, beliefs and culture in the workplace, new research shows that HR professionals and employees have very different perspectives about what it means to practice one’s faith at work. Employers may be struggling to manage how employees express their religion at work, which could lead to workplace harassment, discrimination or bullying because of one’s religion or belief. Beyond avoiding risk, HR professionals can promote an understanding of faith in the workplace by developing training for employees that includes awareness about opportunities to practice faith at work as well as written policies that address religious practices and manifestations of beliefs. Some research indicates that employees either don’t know or aren’t aware of their employer’s policy, attitude or allowances for religious practice at work. Notably, a recent study shows that workers who feel religiously comfortable at work have higher job satisfaction. When people practice their religion or express their beliefs at work, it can positively impact workplace interactions, employee engagement and team performance. In this session, you will learn how to:

• Establish and foster inclusiveness by including religion and beliefs as diversity elements.
• Refine or develop written policies that include information about how employees can practice their religion and beliefs at work (e.g., time or days off for observances, dietary restrictions, dress codes, etc.).
• Avoid jargon or culturally based phrases that may not be understood (or may be misunderstood).
• Recognize that faith is part of the whole person and that the influence of religion, beliefs and culture should not be ignored.
• Make equal treatment of all employees, including as it relates to religion and beliefs, an expected behavior, a priority and part of organizational culture.