How to Address Religion As You Hire

Religion is a sensitive subject to say the least, and it becomes even more delicate when it comes into play in the work place. If you’re a hiring manager and know that religious values shape your company, it’s important to be mindful of this as you search for new team members. In order to address religion properly during the hiring process, keep these tips in mind:

If it’s important to your company, be open about it

If religious beliefs shape your business’s values and practices (for example, the kind of healthcare coverage that’s offered) then you need to be completely transparent with potential employees. It’s not fair to mask these beliefs, only to reveal them once a new hire has committed to a job. By speaking openly about these values, you can ensure that your new team member shares these views, or is at least comfortable with them. This helps to prevent tension in the office.

Don’t veil the beliefs on the company website or in marketing materials

You want potential business partners or employees to understand what your company is all about before they decide to work with you. If religion is a major component of what your brand stands for, then you should touch on this in your various marketing items.

Understand that there’s a difference between the hiring manager’s views and the company’s views

If you’re a hiring manager within an organization with religious beliefs, it’s important to understand how this will impact your job. You’ll have to be prepared to have a conversation about the company’s values and vision, but this doesn’t mean that you need to divulge your own personal beliefs. If your own ideas are different from the company’s, that’s okay. So long as you’re able to articulate what the business itself stands for, you’ll be able to communicate effectively with potential hires.

Understand the law

Dealing with religion in the workplace requires a careful understanding of the law. Make it a point to educate yourself on the finer points of this subject. Some businesses choose to keep a lawyer on retainer who can advise them on these matters.

How do you handle religion as you’re hiring? Let us know in the comments!

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