Religious poster in office

HR IN AL · August 2008

I am having an discussion with my plant manager about an employee who has put a huge Religious poster in her office. He wants to make her take it down. I am worried that it violates her rights and Title V11 by telling her to take it down. He says that it may offend others. This person has very few persons into her office on any given day. Thoughts?

ray a · August 2008

OK to avoid the potential of offending someone you will try to fix a perceived problem and as a result truly offend someone.

If it is a relatively private office and no one seems to be offended, I would let it alone, but maybe warn the ee that if there are problems, you may have to address it.

Dasher · August 2008

I think I would have them take it down. Even a private office is not a personally private workspace. This can be addressed without offending the employee -- be sensitive but firm now before it grows into a really big problem.

LindaS · August 2008

What do you allow for decoration in other employees' offices? Are they allowed political posters or any other type of personal items? If so I would say to leave it alone. If your policy is one that does not allow personal items on display, follow your policy accordingly.

lnelson · August 2008

I would advise them to take it down. Other employees will see it at some point and may decide to put something up in their area also that may push the envelope. I would tell the employee to take it down but may compromise by saying she can have (1) religious item but you(ER) need to limit the size and it must be put in a conspicuous place at all times.

Paul in Cannon Beach · August 2008

Could you provide more details of what is depicted on the poster? I wouldnt make a knee jerk reaction just because the poster is "religious".

HR IN AL · August 2008

It is about the size of two big posters put together. it has Commandments and different stuff on it. At the bottom it says, in big Letters- Jesus Saves!

NaeNae55 · August 2008

I believe that is crossing the line for a business atmosphere. If it is a private office that few employees and no customers go into, the employee should be able to put up less obvious signs of their faith. The one you describe removes any professionalism from the employee's office, and puts the company in a position of honoring all kinds of beliefs, some of which might be very offensive to other employees.

Good luck!

Nae

Paul in Cannon Beach · August 2008

yeah, that is over the line in terms of expression especially if there aren't similar types of expressions being made in your organizations.

Before you have the poster removed, have a nice slow walk around the premises and see what is posted on the walls.

And a short prayer before you speak with the employee might be a good idea.

Religious poster in office

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