Reference no: EM132172039

Question: When team members approach a manager with requests for accommodations or concerns about their role on the team, leaders should take a proactive role in offering support. This includes discussing the issues at hand and the options available for addressing them. For instance, a Catholic team member might ask to come in slightly late on Ash Wednesday, or a Muslim team member may ask for flexible hours to be on time for iftar during Ramadan. A manager should ask the employee if there are holy days like Eid, Beltane, Good Friday, or Holi that her employee would like to be able to take off.

If possible, consider creating a quiet and neutral area for employees to use for prayer, meditation, and other religious activities. Make the room open to all, and ask that employees be mindful about different potential uses of the room.

Be inclusive about the treatment of all religions in communications and discussions to make people on the team feel comfortable, and make it clear that you expect all employees to do the same. Acknowledge that everyone's religious beliefs have value and carry equal weight, and stress from the outset of onboarding that religious intolerance is not acceptable ?-? including interfaith intolerance.

Consider religious limitations on alcohol, various foods, and specific practices when planning team bonding events. While you do not need to accommodate practices that are discriminatory ?-? such as refusing to be in a room with mixed genders ?-? thinking ahead about issues like alcohol and providing foods that meet dietary restrictions will make people feel more welcome. Remember that such events are valuable for networking and career development, and that by excluding religious team members, you are making it harder for them to advance in their field.

Be explicit about what to expect at bonding events so employees feel welcome; for example, an invitation could say "alcohol and soft drinks will be provided" or "vegetarian food is available." Venues should also be inclusive. Think ahead while ordering in-office catering and make sure that inclusive options are available on order forms, and that catering services are capable of meeting dietary standards like strict Kosher, Halal, and vegetarian diets.