If there were a study at your job, you may find many of your coworkers have some form of belief in a higher power. Employees have rights that intend to prevent religious discrimination, but that doesn’t mean those policies always work.
While many people can agree that one’s religious beliefs shouldn’t have any impact on their professional career, some would say otherwise – taking extreme measures to oppose a person’s religion or subtly jabbing at beliefs that don’t conform to their own ideals. Employers have been known to engage in religious discrimination from time to time. Here are two ways this happens:
Failing to promote employees because of their religious beliefs
Many employees, who work tirelessly, often deserve more benefits and higher pay in their job but are often prevented from going up the business ladder because of their beliefs. Someone’s abilities and work performance may be disregarded because an employer doesn’t agree with their religious beliefs. For example, maybe a boss with devout beliefs doesn’t want an atheist in their management team.
Having a mandated attire that disregards religious practices
Some religions are very serious about what clothing can and can’t be worn. A Muslim woman may wear a hijab or a Jewish man may wear a kippah for example. Dress codes may ask people to wear something more ‘professional’ in lieu of such religious garments. This could be seen as an indirect way to force someone out of their religious practices.
Religious discrimination can not only hinder your performance but create issues with your employment. If you believe you’re being discriminated against at your place of work, you may need to reach out for legal support.
