Religion in Business: Is it Faith or Suicide?

Opinions vary. Some people, particularly in the U.S., believe that promoting their religious beliefs along with their products and services is crucial. Others believe that it’s just plain suicide. Considering that the United States was born out of a need for religious freedom, there isn’t a solid right or wrong answer.

One might think that some industries are more prone to advertise their religious affiliations, and in fact, that affiliation may be the crux of their business. For example, sellers of religious artifacts, private schools, and the like will probably attract more clients on the basis of their affiliations. There are also companies, while considered to be mainstream and not directed toward any particular affiliation, who tout their beliefs as part of their mission statements or ad campaigns. Companies like Chick-Fil-A, Walt Disney, and some Wal-Mart subsidiaries, aren’t afraid to state what they think. Chick-Fil-A Inc. CEO S. Truett Cathy, an evangelical Christian, routinely closes down his 1,000 fast-food restaurants in order to observe the Sabbath. Cathy states the religious differences of his employees are not difficult to address because a majority are evangelical Christians, too.

Certainly, imposing your religion on employees is illegal and unconstitutional. Sharing your views with co-worker and clients is not. However, one must consider that proselytizing to a client of whom you have little or no knowledge, can be a dangerous and costly action. Since the U.S. is truly a melting pot of cultures and religions, there is a fair chance that the person you are testifying to does not hold the same beliefs as you. Therein lies the risk of losing an account and ultimately causing a great deal of damage to the bottom line.

One ongoing trend in the workplace is to provide spiritual retreats and workshops to its employees—from the mailroom to the office of the CEO. The hope of many is that when a person explores his spiritual side and experiences various forms of enlightenment, everyone benefits. Relationships become stronger, ideas emerge more freely, productivity increases, and the overall ethic in the business improves. One of the more popular communication tools used in these spiritual gatherings is the presence of a "talking stick" or similar device. The participants sit in a circle for a discussion with each person being allotted a specific amount of time to give his or her point of view. However, only the person holding the talking stick may speak. This method seems to work well, especially for those who have something to offer but aren’t usually heard.

According to a Gallup Poll, a large percentage of corporate America feels comfortable about opening up regarding their spirituality—approximately 95% of Americans say they believe in God or a universal force; 48% claim to have spoken about their religious faith at work that day. In an effort to support and encourage their employees, a growing number of companies employ chaplains to assist in times of need or spiritual crisis. With stress levels at an all time high, employers say that their staff needs an outlet for stress, anxiety, and guilt for working horrendous, but necessary, hours. Companies like Chaplains at Work provide non-denominational or faith-based support to corporate America, offering a wide array of services from crisis intervention to general clergy duties such as marital counseling and hospital visits for friends and families.

As with any hot topic or increasingly popular idea, there will be those that go overboard or take advantage of the situation.

Consider those who insist on stretching the boundaries, such as the maintenance worker who insisted that he was the Messiah, the administrative assistant who routinely dropped to her knees to speak in tongues, and the male witch who insisted on having Samhain (Halloween) off as a religious holiday. Well, it is the High Holiday, after all.

There are also the zealots who are responsible for a dramatic rise in legal-based action. Since 1992, The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission reports a 29% spike in the number of religious-based discrimination charges, making those the third-fastest-growing claim, after sexual harassment and disability.

Take this extreme case for example:

Jennifer Venters, a former radio dispatcher in the Delphi, IN, police department filed suit against her ex-boss, former police chief Larry Ives. Ms. Venters claimed that her trial began on the day that Ives reported for duty and told her that he had been sent by God to save as many people from damnation as he could. Court documents report that Ives objected to her female roommate, asked her if she had entertained male police officers with pornographic videos, and accused her of having sex with family members and sacrificing animals in Satan's name. The kicker was when Ives suggested to Venter that if she wasn't going to reform her depraved ways, she would be better off just killing herself.

The Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals determined that Venters had a valid complaint and ordered that the case go to trial.

It was settled out of court.
By Pamela Mortimer
buzzler.com