Religion in the Workplace
A few years ago, a staff member in our office became a born-again Christian. Everyone was supportive, but unfortunately she mistook their politeness for an invitation to proselytize. It got to the point where I had to privately tell her to stop, as it was interfering with work and wasn't appropriate.
Religion is a tricky thing to deal with in the workplace. We have no direct written policy regarding it, since we don't want to be seen as discriminating against anyone's protected freedoms. However, here a few good rules to follow should the issue come up:
- If an employee wishes to display religious items in their workspace, consider whether or not it is in view of the public. Obviously, more discretion is required in an open area. Also, anything inflammatory should not be allowed (for example, a poster calling abortion murder).
- If an employee attempts to practice their religion in the workplace, give them a polite verbal warning. (In the case of my employee, this solved the problem.) If that doesn't work, put your next warning in writing. Remember that documentation is an important way to avoid potential legal issues.
- The main thing is to avoid creating hardship for the practice. If a patient or co-worker complains about an employee's behavior or what is on their desk, it must be evaluated. The key is to use tact.
If you do have to fire an employee over the issue of religion, then it's always a good idea to consult a lawyer first. Several years ago, I worked with a woman who was a Scientologist. They have specific notions of healthcare, and when this woman (who was not a doctor or a nurse--she was in billing) began offering co-workers and patients medical advice based on her faith, she was fired by a reckless administrator who was personally offended.
When this employee threatened to sue the practice, we rehired her with great embarrassment, and the administrator almost lost her job. The fact is tolerance is crucial for any successful workplace. When the limits are tested, it's important for management to isolate the problem and deal with it in a calm and professional way. What are your thoughts?
posted by Anne @ 7:54 AM
15 comments
15 Comments:
Personally, I agree. The best tool in the workplace is to go along with HR rules in regards to that. Consult with them on a problem employee, and that way all ends are covered. The employee should have signed paperwork regarding respect to these issues as well during hiring. I believe in that case HR should have stepped in with the consultation of the hospital attorney. The administrator shouldn't have lost her job for DOING her job. Just my thoughts.
This is a good artical, but also remember religion is a protected class, especially with hiring. I would make very sure that as adminstrators we are not breaking any laws when dealing with religion in the workplace. It is also good to have a handbook that has been looked over by your lawyer that talks about religious items and actions in the office, and what would result or actions the practice will take if an employee decided to cross the line. Its a sticky subject, but handled correctly can enhance the the workplace for the better. Thanks Cissy
Unless the medical office publically states that it is a Christian-based practice staff should not be promoting their beliefs. This is usually covered in the policies. I worked for a practice where just about every faith was covered. We rarely discussed religion for that reason. But I will admit it did come up when the Hindu doctors sent the only Jew out to deliver ham for Christmas presents. After that it was just Happy Holidays and left alone.
I am surprised that you had to hire the person back. If she was giving out medical advice to a patient, then she was practing without a license. In this area there was a major lawsuit when a receptionist gave out medical advice on the phone. The patient thought since she was at the physician’s office that she was a nurse. She did not state that she was only the receptionist. It was finally settled out of court at a large cost to the practice.
Religion is going to come up no matter what -- In the lunchroom, at their desks, and where ever they talk. There is a natural curiosity about religion. I think that unless it offends someone let the talk go on. If someone actually was trying to actively recruit then I would stop it. It's easier when you work for a faith based minsitry.
In my opinion, if there have not been any complaints about an employee "recruiting" or "witnessing" to another individual then just let it go. Why create problems when they do not exist. In our clinic there are no established "policies" regarding religion. If you walk into my, the administrator's office you will find angels everywhere, the director/owner has a picture of Christ on his wall. As long it does not interfere with work everything and everyone is welcome.
I am an attorney and veterinarian. I do not tolerate any religious symbols in my office. No crosses worn or no stars of David etc. Freedom of religion is realy freedom from religion. I am an antitheist and an outspoken atheist. There simply is no place for someone's god in the workplace. I tell everyone to keep their religion to themselves and at home where it belongs. Don't insult me or any other atheist with beliefs in invisible "men" in the sky that supposedly cares about humans. Again the Constitution as interpreted by the Supreme Court has upheld this view although given the stacking of the court with religious christian fanatics might bode change. But till that ocurrs keep it all out of the work place.
Daniel G. Koller, D.V.M.
Attorney at Law
I am a fully informed Christian that manages several Medical practices and contrary to a previous post, the Supreme Court has not ruled that Freedom of Religion is Freedom from Religion. Christians and other people of faith do not lose their 1st amendment rights in the workplace. There is a balance to be struck between someone's firmly held beliefs and the smooth operation of a place of business. As the ACLU and others have bullied employers and schools into discriminating against people of faith in the workplace, it is best to consult your HR or a Labor Lawyer if you truly have an employee that is impeding the operation of your medical practice as it relates to their faith. Most Christians will respond to honest communication about the situation if they are truly practicing their faith. Christians and people of faith have numerous rights in the workplace and there is a lot of misinformation that the average Practice Administrator does not have time to know fully.
Respectfully,
Marcus Bullock
I am constantly amazed that in our society we allow people who are "offended" by other's actions or beliefs to dictate what is or is not allowed. I am offended by the atheist's comments, but would not condone sanctions against him for his beliefs. I am offended by two men kissing in public, but do not support public or legal prohibitions. In short, I believe people have the right to preach, display religous symbols, or pray any where they want to. It is interesting that those that demand tolerance from others are often intolerant themselves.
For everybody out there who is so concerned about religion and religious symbols I wonder if they accept payment in U.S. Dollars which states "IN GOD WE TRUST" on the back of each bill.
It's a shame that an administrator who fired an employee who was giving medical advice based on her religious beliefs and who was NOT in any way clinically trained almost lost HER job. It is also a shame that you described the administrator as "reckless". It seems to me that the employee was reckless, by giving advice that could have been harmful to patients or employees. Religion, like several other topics (sexual orientation, politics) should be kept out of the workplace as much as possible. It's a business, and we are being paid to do a job, PERIOD.
To those "tolerant" religious fanatics I cannot nor will I tolerate the "intolerance" of your murderous christian god. The point in the work place is not for tolerance of the various (over 2,000) god related religions but for a smooth and consistent policy that tries to keep peace among co workers with different religions. George Carlin the comedian reduced the 10 commandments to 2 and he added a third and most important one which you all should take notice of -- THY SHALT KEEP THEY RELIGION TO YOURSELF! Very insightful and very important policy in the work place whatever business.
Daniel G. Koller
As the comments clearly demonstrate religion is a very touchy subject with everyone. I try to go back to something I learned early on as a child, which I think some posters did not; "If you don't have something good to say, then keep your opinion to yourself". Everyone has the right to believe in what they choose and if you believe that GOD is not there keep your "intolerance" to yourself and I will pray that you will find him before you need him the most.
It wasn't the founding fathers of this nation that placed "In God We Trust" on the coins etc. It was an alarmist congress that feared the "Godless" communists. I'm not quite sure of the date but I think it was in 1957 or a little later. Just as "under god' was placed in the pledge of allegiance in and about the same time period.
As for the comment about keeping your comments to yourself if you have nothing good to say. What a cop out for a religious zealot. Open discussion is what this is about. Don't pray for me as you waste much time and effort.
The issue I was addressing is religion and religious symbols in the workplace. They should not exist in the work place. The heated discusssion is reason enough even in this forum.
Also, isn't it strange that the negative comments come from "christians" Most minority religious people in America are afraid to speak up because of the absolute intolerance that the christian faith teachs. Keep on point by keeping religion out of politics, law, schools and the work place. You can believe in goat testicles as your god but do it in your tax exempt churchs, mosks and temples. Leave the need to let everyone know that you believe in the right god and the right way of believing in this or these right gods. Diversity is wonderful don't bully the minority. The constitution and its ammendments were placed there for many reasons but most importantly to protect the minority from the tyranny of the majority.
Work and religion should be maintained separately unless your work is religion which is a whole other story.
Daniel G. Koller, D.V.M.
Koller, I don't know where you get off talking about morality. Please don't even pretend to rant and rave about evil Christians. I'm not a religious person but it's people like you who give atheists a bad name. How many animals have you slaughtered today? When exactly is the Oregon Vet Board going to finally take your license away? You are going to be only the second person in recent years that they've actually taken a license from, that's how bad you are.
Everyone, this is how much of an atheist Koller is -- He's named himself "God". Yup, that's his middle name.
It's not that you are an atheist, Koller, you just apparently think God is YOU. That's why you can treat all those animals so badly.
Here is the scoop on Koller:
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2008/10/state_board_suspends_license_o.html
http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/fed_regs/actions/2006/fr1117.htm
http://portland.indymedia.org/en/2008/10/381099.shtml
http://portland.indymedia.org/en/2004/11/304299.shtml
http://portland.indymedia.org/en/2006/09/346663.shtml
http://portland.indymedia.org/en/2007/01/351617.shtml
http://portland.indymedia.org/en/2006/09/345986.shtml
I want you all to know that not all non-believers are angry, bitter, evil psychos.
BTW, Koller, your "rule" that your employees are not allowed to wear crosses even on their necklaces is, in my opinion, a violation of their rights, but worse still, it's mentally cruel.
These people help you kill animals all the time -- if it gives them comfort to wear a cross or a St. Francis medal while they euthanize animals, who are you to deprive them of that mental comfort? Who cares if it's illusory if it makes it easier for them to cope?
What do you do when families want to pray for their pets as they put them to sleep? Or after? Tell them they can't?
One of the reasons I don't believe in God myself is precisely because of the existence of you and people like you, and the fact that you continue to live and enjoy liberty in spite of your notorious and infamous acts of cruelty and disregard for others. You are proof of the absence of a just universe, or a compassionate God, and you yourself are so lacking in compassion that you would deprive other of their source of comfort. I guess you take pride in that, you sick F__K.
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