Takeaways from a Recent Survey of Religious Discrimination in the Workforce

A recently released survey of American workers reveals some surprises as the American workforce becomes more diverse.

The Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding surveyed 2000 workers to learn about religious discrimination in the workplace. Among their findings:

• A third of the respondents have personally witnessed religious discrimination in the workplace
• 36 percent of the respondents experienced a form of non-accommodation of their religious needs, such as restrictions on clothing and beards, requiring work on Sabbaths and religious holidays, and refusal to provide an area for prayer or meditation
• 60 percent of white evangelical Protestants say that religious discrimination against Christians is now just prevalent as discrimination against other religious minorities
• 60 percent of atheists, 32 percent of white evangelical Protestants and 31 percent of non-Christians say that others look down on their beliefs
• More than half of those surveyed perceive bias against Muslims
• 66 percent of Muslims reported bias against Muslims
• 55 percent of atheists reported bias against atheists
• 23 percent of respondents working in highly diverse environments have witnessed or experienced conflicts between religious and lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered coworkers

However, the survey also found:

• Employees who are allowed flexible hours for religious observances are more than twice as likely to enjoy coming to work than those without flexible hours
• Companies with published policies against religious discrimination have fewer employees seeking other employment opportunities
• Employee job satisfaction is higher at companies who promote religious diversity and flexibility for religious practices

If you think you have been a victim of religious discrimination in the workplace, tell us about it and we can let you know if you have an actionable case.