Recognizing all religious beliefs is key to the future of work

New research highlights importance of religious and non-religious worldviews in the UK workplace

Most (63%) of employees think it is important to understand the beliefs of others in the workplace, new research among UK adults has found. This compares with 61% of all adults who agreed with the statement, suggesting that employees are more likely to appreciate an understanding of religious and non-religious worldviews in an increasingly globalized workplace. .

The research, conducted among 2,000 adults and commissioned by the Culham St Gabriel’s Trust charity, also found that more than two-thirds (67%) of employees say self-knowledge or understanding their own beliefs is important. for them, against 64%. of all British adults surveyed.

Participants were then asked about the importance of understanding worldviews in various contexts. Most UK adults agreed that understanding the beliefs of others is important for relationships with friends and family (65%) and in local communities (64%) and schools (65%).

Research also found that almost two-thirds (64%) of adults consider religious education an important part of the school curriculum, with 71% agreeing that RE should reflect diversity of backgrounds and beliefs. in the UK today.

The main research findings include:

• About two-thirds of UK adults say it’s important to understand the beliefs of others in at least four contexts:
  • In everyday life (69%)
  • In relationships with friends and family (65%)
  • At school (65%)
  • In local communities (64%)
  • In the workplace (61%)
• Two-thirds (64%) of UK adults think it is important for them to understand their own beliefs, while more than half (57%) agree that this understanding has a positive impact on their well-being.
• Almost two-thirds (64%) of the UK’s adult population think it is important that RE is part of the school curriculum today
• Two-thirds (65%) of respondents agree that RE has an impact on the ability of people to understand each other in society at large
• 71% said RE should reflect the diversity of backgrounds and beliefs in the UK today
• Regarding religious education, respondents agreed that its role is:
  • Help young people better understand their own beliefs (69%)
  • Foster mutual understanding of different beliefs among young people (71%)
  • Provide opportunities for young people to learn about other people, beliefs, worldviews and cultures (73%)
  • Encourage young people to openly discuss their beliefs with others (69%)
  • Help young people to critically assess their own beliefs (65%)
  • Help young people to critically assess the beliefs of others (65%)

Kathryn Wright, CEO of Culham St Gabriel’s Trust, said: “Over the past fifty years, Britain’s religious and cultural landscape has changed dramatically, with declining affiliation with some of the major religious traditions, a increase in others and increase in non-religious spiritual traditions.

“This naturally has implications for the UK workplace, with data suggesting that the UK workforce represents a ‘bowl’ of different religious and non-religious worldviews.

“As the demographics of the workforce change and globalization increases, this research suggests that employees increasingly recognize the value of understanding religious and non-religious worldviews.

“Major employers are also taking note, with a growing number of companies looking for ways to promote religion-friendly and diverse workplaces. Fortune 100 companies, including Intel, American Airlines, Dell, Facebook, and Apple, all scored well in the Religious Freedom Foundation and Business 2021 assessment for their inclusion of religion as a party. integral to their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. In this context, they will seek employees who are able to understand, respect and communicate with colleagues with different world views.

“Research highlights the value of good RE in equipping young people with the knowledge they need to work and interact with others who have different perspectives. It not only plays a vital role in ensuring that young people receive a balanced education and create a more cohesive society, but also supports a vibrant economy by preparing employees and future business leaders for a globalized workplace.

Rethinking RE