A positive approach to religious diversity can improve staff retention, a
reports claims.
Research by SHRM and the Tanenbaum Centre for Interreligious Understanding
shows that employers who accommodate requests on the grounds of religious
belief are more likely to keep and motivate their staff.
The most common requests include decorating office space for religious
holidays and flexible scheduling for observances.
SHRM president Helen Drinan said, "It’s important to view religious
accommodation not just as a way to avoid legal claims, but rather as an
opportunity to increase retention and boost the cohesiveness and productivity
of the workforce."
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More than 35 per cent of employers said more religions are represented in
their workforce now than five years ago, while 30 per cent said the number is
unchanged. Ninety-five per cent of respondents said there has not been a
religious bias claim at their organisation in five years.
The survey included responses from 552 HR professionals.
