Religious Accommodations in the Workplace

Description

All too often employers do not realize they have an affirmative obligation to accommodate their employee’s religious beliefs and practices. Many immediately say “too difficult” or “if we accommodate you, we have to do it for everyone.” These kinds of responses potentially head in one direction: litigation. While employers do have an available affirmative defense to deny the accommodation, there is a trend showing more and more employees are winning these suits.   Some of the topics covered in this information packed session include the definition of religion, effectively handling accommodation requests, understanding and using the “undue hardship” defense, appropriate religious behavior in the workplace and having a “faith friendly” work environment.

Learning Points and Questions To Be Answered:
 

Can you answer the following questions? If not, it’s time to understand these tricky claims and the nuances of providing a religious accommodation. 

• If we have a Christmas tree and party, do we have to celebrate all other religious holidays?
• Can employees claim a religious right to refuse certain duties?
• Do I have to accommodate an employee who now says he cannot work his Saturday shift because of his religion?
• An employee requests time to pray five times per day, do I have to let him?
• Our employee has some “strange” religious practices that we believe she is making up, do we still have to accommodate her?
• How much religious discussion is allowable between employees, and when can it be curtailed or prohibited? 
• May dress codes be enforced against the employee who insists on wearing a head covering, a beard, face piercing, or clothing required by their religion?
   

Recording Date

Speakers

Allison West, Esq., SPHR, is principal of Employment Practices Specialists, LLC, in Pacifica, California. Ms. West has a simple approach to employment practices: “be proactive.” She uses her employment law background, coupled with her sound knowledge of human resource practices, in providing proactive risk management services aimed at helping companies both prevent and resolve employment claims. Ms. West specializes in employment law and management training, conducting workplace investigations, human resources consulting, and providing expert witness assistance. She is also a frequent public speaker on a national and local level. Ms. West is licensed to practice law in California and holds a Senior Professional in Human Resources certification.
 

Presentation Materials

Listen and watch the presentation online or download the files below.