Article: How to Talk About Religion At Work

Hi all, I'm sharing a really informative article in Harvard Business Review by Simran Jeet Singh who leads DEIJ at Aspen Institute.

Find the full article on the Harvard Business Review website: How to Talk About Religion at Work (hbr.org)

Summary.

Religion is a conversation that is not just overlooked but often deliberately avoided in the workplace. However, by ignoring the problem, we further exacerbate it. Here are three ways managers can tactfully approach conversations around religious diversity and inclusion at work.

• Educate yourself and build cultural competence. Gain a general awareness of different religious identities in the world, especially when you’re leading multi-cultural teams or people across geographies. This will help you understand people who come from different backgrounds and cultivate a communication style that appeals to everyone.
• Advocate for inclusive practices. Become more mindful of religious mores and rituals, particularly those practiced by your team members, and create space for them to practice them without shame or judgement.
• Finally, create safe spaces. To do that, listen more intently and seek continuous feedback. In group settings and privately, ask people how they feel about your communication style, and how you can improve your leadership style so that everyone feels heard and seen.close