What does your religion mean to you? To most people, their religion is a belief system that represents their morals and values. It is a guide on how to live their daily lives. At times, you may have heard about controversy involving people expressing their religious beliefs while at work. There may be occasions when employees want to practice their beliefs away from the job as well.
Now, federal law says that employers must "reasonably accommodate" their employees right to exercise religion. Companies employing over 15 workers fall into this category. The only way employers can make an argument against the law is to provide evidence of the harm that may be done to their business. Among the types of accommodations that can be made on behalf of workers are shift exchanges, flexible scheduling, and lunch time; these can all be traded in for an employee's right to leave work due to religious reasons. If possible, employees should schedule time off around the time they need, using vacation time or unpaid days.
When workers need time off, they do not have to prove their religious affiliation to employers as a way to support their beliefs. The United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) believes that a more diverse work environment is a cause of the federal law supporting employees' religious beliefs. There has been an increase in religious discrimination lawsuits; in 2007, the EEOC reported 2,900 of them, more than two times the number in 1992. Some of these lawsuits involved matters like missing work for religious holidays or being dressed in religious clothes at work. Depending on a company's size, discrimination lawsuits can cost employers between $50,000 and $300,000, not including back pay.
For any recent college graduates looking for entry level jobs and college students searching for internships, know that potential employers cannot ask about your religious background or how it can affect your work schedule. Employers are allowed to specify how much time a job requires. It is a good idea for employees who are steadfast in their religious beliefs to be upfront with employers about their obligations once hired, or made aware of them; this comes from the Anti-Defamation League.
In our society, employees' religious rights should be respected. While employers may not agree with a specific religion, they can respect that workers' religious beliefs are a part of who they are. As long as both sides have an understanding, they can work together peacefully. Who would have thought that the law might affect religion in a positive way?
Source: Associated Press- The Morning News
By: -- William Frierson a Staff Writer for CollegeRecruiter.com, the leading job board for college students searching for internships and recent graduates hunting for entry level jobs and other career opportunities.
Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates searching entry-level jobs and other career opportunities.
