What rights do employees have related to religious expression in the workplace?

Employees in California are protected by civil rights law and have the right to religious expression in the workplace. Employers must make reasonable accommodations for employees to express their religious beliefs, so long as it does not create an undue hardship for the employer. This means that employers must allow for practices such as wearing religious garb, observing holy days, and taking time off for religious practices. Employers must also provide reasonable accommodations for religious-based requests that modify work schedules or assignments. This could include changing an employee’s hours or assigning them to a different shift to accommodate their religious practices. Employers can also choose to show flexibility in their dress codes. For example, a business could allow employees to wear traditional religious head coverings, such as a hijab, turban, or yarmulke, while at work. Employers may require employees to perform certain tasks, such as using a computer, that may go against the employee’s religious beliefs. In these cases, the employer must demonstrate that the task is necessary for the business and that there is no alternative. Finally, employers must ensure that their workplace is free of religious harassment. This includes any verbal or physical conduct that demeans or insults someone’s religion, or that creates an environment that is hostile or demeaning towards one’s beliefs. If an employee feels like they are being discriminated against due to their religious beliefs, they can file a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing.

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What rights do employees have related to religious expression in the workplace?

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