By Obianuju Mbah, Christian Today.
A significant proportion of employees in the UK who identify with a religion feel unable to openly express that aspect of their identity in the workplace, according to new research titled Religion at Work: the invisible dimension of workplace diversity.
The study, presented by workplace psychologist Professor Binna Kandola in an interview with Brian of Religious Freedom & Business Foundation, surveyed 610 UK employees from six faith groups – Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh – and points to a persistent gap between employers’ assumptions about inclusion and the everyday experiences of religious staff.
Although around 62% of people in the UK identify with a religion, the research suggests that faith is rarely discussed in professional settings.
Many employees actively avoid the topic altogether.
Around 59% of respondents said they believe religious discrimination exists in the workplace, while 66% reported feeling uncomfortable discussing religion at work.
Nearly half said they deliberately avoid such conversations due to concerns about tension, misunderstanding or conflict.
The findings point to what Professor Kandola described as religion being “largely invisible at work,” with many employees feeling unable to speak openly about their faith or bring that part of themselves into everyday working life.
He noted in the presentation: “This is real paradox between what people are interested in, what they can talk about, and the things that kind of, what people identify with the most, actually, they can’t talk about.”