In the workplace, the holiday season often brings joy, togetherness, and festive traditions. Yet amid these celebrations, it's important to consider how holiday activities can affect the Coast Guard's diverse workforce. Religious discrimination during the holiday season could be a real concern, making it important for managers and supervisors to take steps to ensure a respectful and inclusive atmosphere for everyone.
Religious discrimination is characterized as the unjust or differential treatment of individuals based on their religious beliefs and practices. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on someone’s religion.
In November and December, when many religions observe significant holidays, overt religious discrimination can arise which is usually recognizable, but subtle biases might go unnoticed. Some common examples include:
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Decorating only for one tradition, like Christmas, without recognizing other holidays, can make the workplace feel exclusive rather than welcoming.
It remains important for managers and supervisors to foster an inclusive environment that respects all beliefs. Here are some effective steps that can be taken to ensure the workplace feels welcoming for everyone during the holiday season:
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Reflect diverse cultural and religious traditions in holiday decorations or consider keeping decor neutral.
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Participation in holiday events should be optional to respect those who may not celebrate in the same way.
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Remind employees that understanding begins with communication.
During the holiday season, requests for accommodations often increase. Any modification made to the workplace so that an employee can follow their religious convictions is known as a religious accommodation. These might include flexible schedules, prayer breaks, or permission to wear religious attire. When an employee requests accommodation, it should be assessed individually, with an eye toward promoting inclusivity and understanding. Learn more about reasonable accommodations.
By fostering respect, workplaces can ensure everyone feels valued throughout the year. Discrimination or harassment towards people based on their religion is inconsistent with the Coast Guard's Core Values and will not be tolerated. If you have any questions about a particular religion, we encourage you to contact your unit’s chaplain or you can reach out to your local Civil Rights Service Provider regarding requests for accommodations.