Religious Accommodation in the Workplace: A Case Study of Jewish Sabbath Observance

Religious Accommodation in the Workplace: A Case Study of Jewish Sabbath Observance

Jewish Discussion
Lisa H., a registered nurse, has worked triage in the Emergency Department in a regional midwestern hospital for 12 years. Her dedication to her role has earned her respect among her colleagues, despite her recent shift toward stricter religious observance. Originally from New Jersey, she was a nonpracticing Jew until her late 20s. Now, approaching 40, she has become increasingly committed to religious observance.

She keeps kosher at home, bringing her own food to staff lunch meetings. This practice has occasionally made her feel isolated, but she remains steadfast in her beliefs. She has been able to use vacation time for the major High Holy Days, but would like to be shomer shabbos (follow strict sabbath observance) and has requested a permanent schedule change from her supervisor, with a written explanation attached, to reflect her need to not work any Friday afternoon through Saturday evening.

The supervisor refused her, saying it would not be fair to the other nurses, that Lisa should also try to “fit in more—be part of the team,” as the others perceived her as “standoffish.” This response highlights a lack of understanding of Lisa’s religious needs and the importance of fostering an inclusive workplace. When Lisa said it was a religious requirement for her, the supervisor said maybe she should “. . . consider going back to New Jersey where she’d be more comfortable.”

How do you feel about Lisa’s request?
Lisa’s request is reasonable and aligns with her right to religious accommodation under federal law. It reflects her commitment to her faith and should be respected.

How might this request be honored?
The hospital could explore flexible scheduling options, such as rotating shifts or hiring additional part-time staff to cover weekends. This would allow Lisa to observe the Sabbath without disrupting the team’s workflow.

Was the supervisor culturally competent in this situation?
No, the supervisor demonstrated a lack of cultural competence by dismissing Lisa’s religious needs and making insensitive remarks. Cultural competence training could help supervisors better understand and accommodate diverse religious practices.

If Lisa were to discuss the issue at a team meeting, how could she present her concerns?
Lisa could frame her request as a matter of religious freedom and workplace inclusivity, emphasizing her commitment to her role and her willingness to collaborate on a solution that benefits everyone.

What does EEOC say about honoring employees’ requests for time off for holidays?
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) requires employers to reasonably accommodate employees’ religious practices unless it causes undue hardship to the business. Denying Lisa’s request without exploring alternatives may violate these guidelines.

References:

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (2023). Religious Discrimination.

Cohen, S. M. (2019). Jewish Identity and Religious Observance in Modern America.

Friedman, M. (2020). Workplace Diversity and Inclusion: Strategies for Success.

_______________________________________________________
Balancing Faith and Work: A Case Study on Religious Accommodation in Nursing
Lisa H., a seasoned registered nurse, has spent 12 years triaging patients in the Emergency Department of a midwestern hospital. Originally from New Jersey, she once identified as a nonpracticing Jew. However, in her late 20s, Lisa embraced her faith more deeply. Now nearing 40, she keeps kosher, bringing her own meals to staff lunches, and uses vacation time to observe major Jewish holidays. Recently, she requested a permanent schedule change to honor her commitment to being shomer shabbos—observing the Sabbath from Friday afternoon to Saturday evening. Her supervisor denied the request, citing fairness to other nurses and suggesting Lisa “fit in more” or even return to New Jersey. This situation raises important questions about religious accommodation, workplace fairness, and cultural sensitivity.

Lisa’s Request: A Matter of Faith and Duty
Lisa’s desire to observe the Sabbath reflects a sincere religious belief. For many Jews, keeping the Sabbath involves refraining from work during this sacred time, a practice rooted in centuries of tradition. Her request isn’t a whim; it’s a meaningful step in aligning her life with her faith. Imagine working a demanding job while feeling torn between your beliefs and your responsibilities—Lisa faces this tension every week. Her 12-year tenure shows dedication, yet her supervisor’s response suggests her commitment isn’t fully recognized. Should an employee’s faith be dismissed because it inconveniences others? The answer hinges on balancing individual rights with workplace needs.

Honoring the Request: Practical Solutions
Granting Lisa’s schedule change is possible with some creativity and cooperation. Hospitals often juggle complex staffing needs, but options exist to accommodate her. For instance, her supervisor could allow Lisa to trade shifts with colleagues willing to cover Friday nights and Saturdays. Alternatively, adjusting her hours—perhaps scheduling her for Sunday or weekday shifts—could meet both her religious needs and the department’s demands. Another approach might involve hiring a part-time nurse to fill gaps, though this depends on budget constraints. Experts in workplace management suggest that flexible scheduling not only supports employees but also boosts morale and retention (Cascio, 2019). Why let a skilled nurse like Lisa slip away over a solvable issue?

Cultural Competence: Where the Supervisor Fell Short
The supervisor’s handling of Lisa’s request reveals a lack of cultural competence. Telling her to “fit in more” or implying she’d be better off in New Jersey dismisses her identity rather than addressing her needs. Cultural competence in healthcare supervision means understanding and respecting diverse beliefs, especially in a field where empathy is key (Betancourt et al., 2019). The supervisor’s comments also border on hostility, suggesting Lisa’s faith makes her an outsider. Instead of exploring solutions, he leaned on stereotypes and deflected responsibility. A culturally competent leader would engage Lisa in a dialogue, seeking to understand her observance and find a workable compromise.

Presenting Concerns at a Team Meeting
If Lisa brings this to a team meeting, she could frame her request constructively. She might start by acknowledging her colleagues’ hard work, showing she values their efforts. Then, she could explain her Sabbath observance briefly, emphasizing it’s a personal commitment, not a demand for special treatment. For example, she might say, “I’ve been reflecting on my faith and want to honor the Sabbath. I’d love to work with you all to adjust my schedule—maybe swapping shifts or taking extra weekdays—so we can keep the team strong.” Sharing a solution-oriented mindset could ease tensions and invite collaboration. Nurses often thrive on teamwork; appealing to that spirit might soften resistance.

EEOC Guidelines: What the Law Says
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) offers clear guidance on religious accommodations. Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, employers must reasonably accommodate an employee’s sincerely held religious beliefs unless it causes an undue hardship—defined as a substantial burden on the business, not just a minor inconvenience (EEOC, 2021). The Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling in Groff v. DeJoy raised this standard, requiring employers to show significant costs or disruptions to deny a request (Groff v. DeJoy, 2023). For Lisa, this means her hospital must explore options like shift swaps or schedule adjustments unless they severely impact operations. Statistics show religious discrimination claims remain common, with 3,549 filed in 2014 alone (EEOC, 2021). The law supports Lisa’s right to request time off for religious observance, pushing her employer to act.

Finding Common Ground
Lisa’s case highlights a broader challenge: how workplaces adapt to growing diversity. Her supervisor’s refusal risks alienating a valuable employee and violating legal standards. Conversely, honoring her request could strengthen team trust and set a precedent for inclusion. Picture a hospital where staff feel respected for who they are—productivity and patient care would likely improve. Employers and employees alike benefit when faith and work coexist harmoniously. For Lisa, a modest schedule tweak could preserve her career and her convictions.

Conclusion
Lisa H.’s request to observe the Sabbath is reasonable and legally protected, yet her supervisor’s response fell short of both empathy and compliance. Practical solutions like shift swaps or adjusted hours could resolve the conflict without disrupting the team. Cultural competence demands more than tolerance—it requires active understanding. By presenting her needs collaboratively, Lisa can foster goodwill among colleagues. The EEOC reinforces that employers must accommodate religious practices unless the burden is substantial. Ultimately, supporting Lisa isn’t just about fairness; it’s about building a workplace where everyone thrives.

Sample Topics
Faith at Work: Navigating Religious Accommodation in Nursing
Sabbath Observance: Lisa’s Fight for Workplace Fairness
Balancing Duty and Devotion: A Nurse’s Religious Rights

Discuss how a nurse’s request for Sabbath observance challenges workplace fairness and explore EEOC guidelines on religious accommodation.
Analyze a midwestern nurse’s struggle for a schedule change to honor her Jewish faith and practical solutions for her team.
Research the legal and cultural aspects of accommodating a nurse’s religious needs in a hospital setting, with insights from the EEOC.

References
Betancourt, J. R., Green, A. R., & Carrillo, J. E. (2019). Cultural competence in health care: Emerging frameworks and practical approaches. The Commonwealth Fund.
Cascio, W. F. (2019). Managing Human Resources: Productivity, Quality of Work Life, Profits. 10th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Education.
EEOC (2021). Section 12: Religious Discrimination. Compliance Manual. U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Available at: www.eeoc.gov.
Groff v. DeJoy, 143 S. Ct. 2279 (2023). Supreme Court of the United States.
Pynes, J. E. (2020). Human Resources Management for Health Care Organizations: A Strategic Approach. 2nd ed. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

The post Religious Accommodation in the Workplace: A Case Study of Jewish Sabbath Observance appeared first on Essays Bishops.