Interfaith Hosts "Religious Diversity in the Workplace" Panel Discussion

By Sierra Cole Religion is frequently overlooked when it comes to a company's diversity agenda. This omission can lead to missed opportunities for establishing a workforce that is truly inclusive and representative. This fall, Interfaith Philadelphia organized a panel discussion for Buck-Mont Collaborative, a membership organization for health and human services professionals in Bucks and Montgomery Counties. The topic: Religious Diversity in Our Lives and Workplaces.  

Interfaith Philadelphia's Leadership Institute Director, Asheq Fazllulah, moderated a panel of local professionals who came from Buddhist, Catholic, Jewish, and Muslim faith traditions. The four panelists were:

• Nihad Kaiseruddin, a sales manager
• Matthew Gambino, a church leader 
• John Harris, a healthcare executive
• Tue Dac Ho, Esq., an attorney

The panelists were asked, “How do you live your faith outside of your home and specifically in the workplace?” Overall they shared that faith, regardless of tradition, is a wellspring of values that, when conscientiously applied, can enhance our workplace and professional lives. Here is a summary of the conversation.

Nihad Kaiseruddin: Some values and ethics practiced in an individual's faith outside of work can be positively reflected in the workplace. For example, patience and humility. 

Matthew Gambino:  Active and compassionate listening is rooted in many faith traditions. Listening and compassion are important values and are helpful in a workplace setting. 

John Harris: The fact that all people are made in God’s image is key to interactions with people inside and outside the workplace.

Tue Dac Ho: Understanding where emotions come from can allow us to better understand ourselves and better serve and give grace to others in the workplace. 

The panelists were also asked to discuss important holidays and celebrations that workplaces should consider. The list included Ramadan, Eid, Christmas and Easter, Shabbat, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Passover, and Vesak. The panelists emphasized the fact that accommodating holidays can benefit everyone in the workplace. For example, some holidays may require time off, so floating holidays can be helpful. Workplaces should be aware of when holidays fall on the calendar, which can be different from year to year.

They also shared some challenges at work. This included issues such as dietary restrictions, inflexible work schedules, and lack of private spaces for worship. They unpack some of the root issues stemming from religious ignorance due to lack of education and exposure while sharing advice, key takeaways, and strategies on how people can broaden their perspectives through relationship-building. 

“Overall, the discussion encouraged listeners to step out of their comfort zones and positively receive the information with a compassionate attitude and an open mind, “ said Asheq Fazlullah.  “So, the next time they attend a holiday event or work event or come across someone of a different religion other than their own, we hope they will seize the moment as an opportunity to learn, grow, and inspire positive change rather than conflict."

Intended for professional and personal development, the Leadership Institute of Interfaith Philadelphia offers curated pathways to build skills, relationships, and knowledge for interfaith engagement. All of the workshops offer opportunities to explore, learn, and practice!

To learn more about how Interfaith Philadelphia can assist your company or organization with its workplace diversity initiatives, click here or contact Asheq Fazlullah at af@interfaithphiladelphia.org.