Faith Groups Let People ‘Bring Their Whole Selves to Work’

May 31, 2008

Author: Lekan Oguntoyinbo

Source: Workforce Management

http://www.workforce.com/section/09/feature/25/55/58/255566.html

It is a rare forum because of the disparate groups it frequently brings together: Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, Catholics, Orthodox Christians and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, more commonly known as Mormons.

Often they collaborate on events such as the National Day of Prayer. On other occasions, they work separately to educate their co-workers about their faiths. In the years since the Ford Interfaith Network was founded, the members have received the active encouragement of their employer, Ford Motor Co., which sees the organization as an example of its commitment to diversity.

Nearby, at Acro Service Corp., a Livonia, Michigan-based information technology and engineering staffing company with about 3,000 employees, owner and president Ron Shahani strives to celebrate his staff’s religious diversity. When it is time for the Hindu New Year, Shahani encourages the customary passing out of sweets. In December, Christmas trees dot his office complex. Jewish and Muslim holidays get a good deal of attention too.