Religions and Beliefs at Work

Part A

Religions and beliefs at work

About this questionnaire and what it’s for

This is short questionnaire about religion and belief in the workplace. The aim of it is to indicate to you whether people are treated fairly regardless of their religion or belief. It’s important to remember that the questionnaire is about religious belief or similar philosophical belief – this means people who have beliefs that are non-religious (such as atheism or humanism) are also protected from workplace discrimination on that basis. It is also important to remember that you are not being asked about your own religion or beliefs. You are being asked about your workplace and whether religions and beliefs are respected and dealt with in a dignified way.

Your responses to the questionnaire provide insight into how religions and beliefs are dealt with in your workplace. We’ve developed it because of legislation introduced in the UK in 2003 to ensure equality of opportunity in the workplace no matter what your beliefs. The law applies to all workplaces in Great Britain (but not to Northern Ireland); Acas provides information about the issue and advice about what you can do in your workplace if you feel there is any discrimination.

The questionnaire results will tell you if people in your workplace are doing what they can and to avoid discrimination on the basis of religion and belief. It’s also designed to give you an idea of whether there is a gap between current practice in your organisation and good practice. It is not a test; its aim is to bring a sensitive topic more into the open and to help your organisation think about whether basic equality and diversity issues around religion and belief are being addressed.

Some parts are about your approach to this issue at work; others are about your workplace generally. The form should take you around ten minutes to complete:

The questionnaire starts on the next page; respond as honestly as you can. We hope it’s useful.

In this section tick the box or boxes in each question that best describe your workplace.

In my workplace, your religion or belief will make a difference to (tick all that apply)

whether you get taken on in the first place

training opportunities

pay level

promotion decisions

how you are treated by colleagues

To what extent you agree with the following statements about your workplace? (tick one box only for each statement):

Agree / Not sure / Don’t agree
My workplace is welcoming for new people, whatever their religion or belief
People who work here are generally tolerant of colleagues’ beliefs
Supervisors and line managers support people if there is a harassment or discrimination problem
Equality and diversity is important (or treated seriously) at this workplace
My organisation attracts a wide variety of people who want to work for it
The workforce in my workplace is diverse

If a religion or belief interferes with your ability to do your job, you should be (tick one box only):

a) dismissed

b) encouraged to fit your beliefs around the job

c) transferred to another job

d) the job should be changed to fit with your beliefs

For the next sectiontick one box only for each statement or question.

There is a room or space set aside in my workplace for prayer, worship, or ‘quiet time’

Yes No

There is a policy statement in my organisation about religion and beliefs at work

Yes No/not sure

Managers in smaller organisations don’t have to worry about religion or belief because they employ just a small number of people

AgreeDisagree

My workplace provides specific food in the staff canteen or at training events for people whose religion or beliefs demand it (vegetarian food or halal meat, for example)

AgreeDisagree

I don’t think people should swear using religious words at work

Agree Disagree

I think people should be willing to work on days that their religion or belief has as rest days or holidays (e.g. Sunday, Friday, Christmas, Passover)

Agree Disagree

If you discriminate against someone at work because of their religion or belief then you should be disciplined

Agree Disagree

I know what action to take if I feel discriminated against because of my religion or belief

AgreeDisagree

If I was being harassed or discriminated against, I’d feel that I could talk to at least one of my colleagues

AgreeDisagree

For the next section tick one box only for each statement.

My organisation is open to people of all religions and beliefs