One of the first questions I ask when interviewing an organization pertains to its diversity and inclusion strategy, culture and practices. Perhaps the most interesting response I have received was from an organization considering implementing an affinity group/employee resource group centered on religion and creed. Bold. Intriguing…and as many HR professionals would say, such an idea is rather…complicated.
While the jury is out on such an affinity network and the trend is yet to sweep corporate America, one thing I hope more employers and culture at large embraces is the mention of faith in the workplace. Most frequently, we offer prayers after the passing of a relative, and each year we hesitate to say Merry Christmas. Many instinctively flinch or shy away from open faith-based conversations, since some can lead to conversations which mimic political debate. In addition to the lessons we need in civil discourse and unbiased, active listening, I raise the topic of religion in the workplace to offer support for two key ideas:
As we invite each and every employee to bring their full authentic selves to work, we need to remember that this includes people’s faith. If we are truly being inclusive and invite authenticity, we need to bear in mind that expressions of faith should be welcomed just as much as visible tattoos/piercings, parent-friendly policies and discussion of self-identification. Such conversations should never be forced, yet for those who desire to, respectful and candid dialogue should be appreciated as part of a robust inclusive culture.
Having recently celebrated Holy Week and Easter, might I encourage we pause and consider, who are our Simons of Cyrene? Who helps us bear our struggles? Coworkers, family, friends? Do they volunteer? Are they forced by the “Roman solider” that be, even if that is us? What is their demeanor as they assist us? Do we feel in their debt? How does carrying crosses for each other foster and strengthen relationships?
How do support functions (“cost centers”) within the organization relieve stress and trial? Do we acknowledge their efforts? Have we thanked, for instance, our HR professionals who have worked tirelessly and made gut wrenching decisions in response to COVID-19? Or our IT professionals, who are not only preventing us from throwing our technology out the window in frustration but also keeping our data secure from those with malicious intent?
Happy Easter season! St. Corona, Patron of Pandemics, pray for us!
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