Darth Rotor
Salted Sith Cynic
- Joined
- Aug 4, 2006
- Messages
- 38,527
Can't hurt to ask.
Advice needed! (Praying at work)
- Thread starter Oubliette
- Start date
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- Tags
- atheist christians job prayer
Hokulele
Deleterious Slab of Damnation
I agree that the anonymous letter (or e-mail with pictures) to HR may be the best bet.
Although there was one time I was at a company picnic (I was working for them as a sub-contractor). They said grace before the food was served and after the "Amen", I chanted "Om Mani Padme Hum". Yes, I did get a few odd looks, but it did start an interesting conversation at our table.
Although there was one time I was at a company picnic (I was working for them as a sub-contractor). They said grace before the food was served and after the "Amen", I chanted "Om Mani Padme Hum". Yes, I did get a few odd looks, but it did start an interesting conversation at our table.
In those cases where my employers have made "No discussions of politics or religion" a condition of my continued employment, I have followed the rule, but only while on paid company time (that is, while I'm "on the clock") or on company property (that is, property that is owned by the company).
This means that even if I attend a company function - a retirement luncheon, for example - in a restaurant, I can legally discuss politics and religion without fear of legal reprisal.
However, in the example that you cite, it seems to me that the policy is stated only to keep the company from getting sued for religious or political harassment, and not any of its employees.
This way, if a coworker who believes (or dis-believes) in a particular candidate or deity starts trying to convert you while at work, the company can legally disavow any approval (expressed, implied, tacit, or otherwise) of your coworker's actions.
Advice (take it or leave it):
1) Update your résumé.
2) Remove all of your signs and symbols of your beliefs from your workplace.
3) Post a photocopy of your company's anti-religion / anti-politics policy where everyone can see it (highlight the relevant statements).
4) Obliquely and privately remind the offending party of company policy.
5) Be prepared for backlash.
I am sorry to say that there are fundies who believe that they are above secular rules, and that they are free to flout them at will. You will find that these people are either exceptionally valuable to the company, or that their chances for promotion and/or continued employment is about to end.
This means that even if I attend a company function - a retirement luncheon, for example - in a restaurant, I can legally discuss politics and religion without fear of legal reprisal.
However, in the example that you cite, it seems to me that the policy is stated only to keep the company from getting sued for religious or political harassment, and not any of its employees.
This way, if a coworker who believes (or dis-believes) in a particular candidate or deity starts trying to convert you while at work, the company can legally disavow any approval (expressed, implied, tacit, or otherwise) of your coworker's actions.
Advice (take it or leave it):
1) Update your résumé.
2) Remove all of your signs and symbols of your beliefs from your workplace.
3) Post a photocopy of your company's anti-religion / anti-politics policy where everyone can see it (highlight the relevant statements).
4) Obliquely and privately remind the offending party of company policy.
5) Be prepared for backlash.
I am sorry to say that there are fundies who believe that they are above secular rules, and that they are free to flout them at will. You will find that these people are either exceptionally valuable to the company, or that their chances for promotion and/or continued employment is about to end.
No ... a simple "Hastur! Hastur! Hastur!" should suffice.
(Is it just me, or is it getting dark in here?)
Is there a way to bring attention to this anonymously?
CurtC
Illuminator
There have been a lot of what I would consider extreme reactions offered to you so far. I have a different take on it.
You have no sign that your employment is jeopardized by your non-belief. Your cow-orkers are just being a little inconsiderate. Think of yourself not as a martyr, but as an ambassador from the world of atheists to these people. Take the high road, be tolerant, lead by example. Remember that most theists think of atheists as loudmouth troublemakers and become recalcitrant when faced with this. Don't give them the opportunity to bolster their idiotic preconceptions.
At prayer time, continue to visibly not pray. Someone is bound to notice. If they ask, let them know that you are an atheist, and that the prayer makes you uncomfortable, being connected with your paycheck and all. Word will get out and we can hope that they will come to realize that they are in the wrong. That's the ideal situation anyway.
I think the thing for you to remember is that you are our ambassador to these people.
You have no sign that your employment is jeopardized by your non-belief. Your cow-orkers are just being a little inconsiderate. Think of yourself not as a martyr, but as an ambassador from the world of atheists to these people. Take the high road, be tolerant, lead by example. Remember that most theists think of atheists as loudmouth troublemakers and become recalcitrant when faced with this. Don't give them the opportunity to bolster their idiotic preconceptions.
At prayer time, continue to visibly not pray. Someone is bound to notice. If they ask, let them know that you are an atheist, and that the prayer makes you uncomfortable, being connected with your paycheck and all. Word will get out and we can hope that they will come to realize that they are in the wrong. That's the ideal situation anyway.
I think the thing for you to remember is that you are our ambassador to these people.