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I have an employee who does not celebrate holidays due to religious beliefs. All fine and good and people respect this. Employee doesn't do birthdays either and leaves the room if there is a celebration.
However we had a pumpkin decorating contest across the entire organization. People got into it. One employee showed this individual a picture of their handiwork, forgetting that they did not celebrate. The employee was so angry they said "NEVER show me anything like that AGAIN!" and reported that they were being "forced" participate in a holiday related activity.
Last year there was some kind of tree in our building lobby and this person took an alternate route so that they did not have to see it. We had to make sure that there was access open to their office and a path was cleared around the other side of the building.
I certainly applaud anyone's right to belief, but not being able to look at any holiday related items seems a bit over the top. I may not celebrate Jewish or Muslim holidays, but I am not offended by a menorah or by someone fasting over Ramadan.
I have to address this complaint and am working with HR who agrees that the mere presence of a carved pumpkin is not tantamount to persecution. Does anyone have this issue in the workplace?
I have an employee who does not celebrate holidays due to religious beliefs. All fine and good and people respect this. Employee doesn't do birthdays either and leaves the room if there is a celebration.
However we had a pumpkin decorating contest across the entire organization. People got into it. One employee showed this individual a picture of their handiwork, forgetting that they did not celebrate. The employee was so angry they said "NEVER show me anything like that AGAIN!" and reported that they were being "forced" participate in a holiday related activity.
Last year there was some kind of tree in our building lobby and this person took an alternate route so that they did not have to see it. We had to make sure that there was access open to their office and a path was cleared around the other side of the building.
I certainly applaud anyone's right to belief, but not being able to look at any holiday related items seems a bit over the top. I may not celebrate Jewish or Muslim holidays, but I am not offended by a menorah or by someone fasting over Ramadan.
I have to address this complaint and am working with HR who agrees that the mere presence of a carved pumpkin is not tantamount to persecution. Does anyone have this issue in the workplace?
wow- this person is certainly a snowflake, not religion bashing, but that is insane! I've worked with folks who don't celebrate any holidays (birthdays included) for their religious reasons but they were always polite and recognized that not everyone shares their views. If you work in a corporate environment there will always be some type of celebration (most Christmas have changed to holiday party) and birthdays are sometimes done as "all the November birthdays are celebrated with cake on x" but no-one is forcing anyone to join-in.
i sincerely hope your HR has a good way to get this fact over to the employee- and btw, i'm sure their job is at-will so they can certainly choose to find a new employer if they would like
Is this a Jehovah's Witness? If so, they are very cultish in nature and it took me years to break free of their grip after having been raised in it. I'm an atheist, now, so I actually will celebrate with people because I found out parties are awesome.
That was my first thought. As a Jew, I don't celebrate Christmas but I certainly wouldn't get angry at someone who had a tree or sang Christmas carols.
I really hope this person doesn't ruin celebrations for everyone because they're so easily offended.
Sometimes, employees are like sand in vaseline. Best to pitch the jar and start over (If possible) otherwise, be advised they may try a "Lawsuit" for religious discrimination.
What's the problem? Let the employee walk around Christmas tree or avoid pumpkins and birthday cakes. Let them do their thing and everyone else do theirs. You all can coexist together if YOU stop being concerned about the employee's personal adjustments.
What's the problem? Let the employee walk around Christmas tree or avoid pumpkins and birthday cakes. Let them do their thing and everyone else do theirs. You all can coexist together if YOU stop being concerned about the employee's personal adjustments.
"However we had a pumpkin decorating contest across the entire organization. People got into it. One employee showed this individual a picture of their handiwork, forgetting that they did not celebrate. The employee was so angry they said "NEVER show me anything like that AGAIN!" and reported that they were being "forced" participate in a holiday related activity."
if only the employee was quite as understanding. true, let them walk whatever way they wish and avoid the other things but there was no reason for them to get so nasty about a mistake.
"However we had a pumpkin decorating contest across the entire organization. People got into it. One employee showed this individual a picture of their handiwork, forgetting that they did not celebrate. The employee was so angry they said "NEVER show me anything like that AGAIN!" and reported that they were being "forced" participate in a holiday related activity."
if only the employee was quite as understanding. true, let them walk whatever way they wish and avoid the other things but there was no reason for them to get so nasty about a mistake.
Leave that employee alone completely and the problem goes away.
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