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religion in the workplace
just because i feel myself imploding at the mere thought of this--
what do you say to a coworker that lets them kindly know that they've overstepped the boundries of badgering you about your religion? i don't mean asking you questions. i mean "the devil is in you and i will drive it out!" at this point the only thing i want to drive in is my spork i used for lunch, twist 90 to the right, and 180 to the left. it's seriously frustrating because if i use to much force to make them back off, i face disciplinary action. (hooray for being at the bottom of the totem pole.)
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Maybe give some free advice about: Work/School Relationships?
You are way beyond having to say anything 'kindly'.
When a person make disparaging remarks about your spirituality or religion the correct response is to look them straight in the eye and say "I'm not comfortable with this conversation/I don't appreciate you saying that. Please stop."
Don't be mean or aggressive, simply calm and direct about it. Repeat if nessicary and don't take any bait they offer, don't justify or argue. Just keep saying 'Be that as it may, I don't want to have this conversation.'
There are two other things you should do:
One, behave perfectly. Do not make comments about this persons religion or faith to anyone at all in your workplace. Do not tease or joke about it. This is important when you come to step two…
Two, keep a date log of these inappropriate comments and go to your supervisor or human resources. If they are intelligent, they will quickly see that your co-workers behavior is in violation of your human rights, and that you could sue the company if they don’t stop it.
There should only be a problem of you getting in trouble IF you behave badly towards this person OR if you blow up at this person without informing your supervisor about the difficulties you are having.
If you behave yourself, and keep your company apprised of the problems you are having, they should respond to them seriously. They will probably realize they are putting themselves at serious legal risk if they allow you to persucuted or teased because of your religion.
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You shouldn't be being harassed at
work about anything. Go to your
supervisor or boss, explain what
is going on, and ask them what they
feel the best way to handle it is.
If nothing else it alerts them
that there is a problem.
I will also suggest you tell your
co-worker that they have their
beliefs and you have yours. You
don't mean to sound rude but you
just prefer if they didn't discuss
religion with you at work. It
probably won't work, but I will
suggest it. :)
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