Religion and Performance in the Modern Workplace

Please rewrite this discussion post:

I think religion has the potential to have a positive effect on the way a person performs their job in today’s workplace. Religions give individuals many of their core values and ethical principles; these same values and ethics will ultimately affect the way a person approaches their work and their interactions with co-workers. If a person feels as though their beliefs are compatible with their work, or that their beliefs are recognized and accepted by their employer, this could be a motivator for them to be more productive and committed to their work.

Religion can also significantly impact a persons workplace role through daily activities such as praying, dressing in a certain manner, adhering to specific diets, or taking time off for religious holidays. When employers take steps to support and accommodate employees who practice religion in a reasonable manner, employees typically feel valued and supported, and as a result their morale improves and they perform at a higher level. However, when an organization fails to recognize or understand religious differences it may lead to employee discomfort, discrimination, or poor communication with coworkers, all of which may have a negative impact on team work and productivity.

Ultimately, I do not see religion as the problem – but rather the way religion is handled in the workplace. The key to making religious diversity a benefit (and not a hindrance) is through inclusive leadership and respectful organizational policy. When leaders create a culture of respect for all religious beliefs and treat each belief system equally, then religion can be a contributor to both an individual’s ability to perform and the overall culture of the workplace.