Workplace morals not absolute

On Aug. 31, NBC aired a news piece about religious acts in the workplace. The report showed a pharmacist who refused to dispense contraceptives because of his religious beliefs and a nurse who refused to be involved in recommending the morning-after pill to patients.

These acts seem to be perfect examples of what is called prophetic work. The concept simply means speaking out for what the worker believes is right. The ancient religious prophets spoke out against the kings, the rich and the powerful, and they spoke to protect the poor, the lame and the sick. They spoke for truth.

These examples demonstrate the pitfalls of the prophetic work concept: the potential for divisiveness and the trampling of boundaries.

Divisiveness can result from religious declarations in the workplace. People with different religious views can be mightily offended by the religious stance. They may argue that their religion, which requires another view, should prevail. What started out as prophetic work and as an honest expression of beliefs can make the workplace contentious and argumentative. It should be obvious that workplaces are healthier when they are at peace. Contention does not make for a more spiritual workplace.

The second issue is respect for our boundaries in the workplace. My freedom is a laudable goal until it restricts another person’s freedom. Central to most people’s religious belief is the tenet that we must treat others as we want to be treated. When we deny legal services to other people it is hard to argue we are following that tenet. Such decisions probably exceed appropriate boundaries. If I force people to go to another store for products because of my belief then I have to consider the “goodness” of my act. I also may be abandoning my responsibilities to my customers.

But certainly each of us has core beliefs that simply must not be violated. The two people featured on the NBC report certainly seemed to be in that category, so the question becomes what should they do to respect those core beliefs but also avoid dividing their workplace and trampling their rights.

In my view the nurse featured in the report showed us the correct way to deal with such a problem. She walked. She realized that any job in the reproductive services field had the potential to put her at odds with her faith, so she found new work. If you do not find your work fits your moral core and that’s important to you, you ought to split.

But before you leave, and before you decide the situation is hopeless, I think there’s one more test you need to pass for your own peace of mind. Is the issue you are upset about a genuine moral issue or is it a case of your judgmental nature overwhelming tolerance?

Recently I was listening to a group of sophisticated workers discussing how to improve their workplace when one man said, “I have difficulty being forthright when I believe another person is not moral enough to work here.”

Frankly, I was stunned at the incredible sense of judgmental superiority required to utter that sentence. I was on the periphery of the discussion so I stayed silent, but I wanted to scream, “Who made you the moral standard bearer around here?”

I was critical of that man until I realized how common his offense really is. I know I committed it countless times. We get so self-absorbed in our own piety and self-righteousness we feel free to judge and condemn people simply because they don’t do it our way.

Standing up for what you believe is the stuff of heroes. But always be certain that wisdom protects you from being divisive, intolerant and judgmental.

Tip for your search: Values and spirituality in the workplace can be handled quietly and without intruding on other people. Religion tends to trigger more emotion and stricter adherence to proscriptions and prescriptions. If you decide you must bring religion to your work, attempt to minimize divisiveness and at all times respect other people’s wishes and boundaries. Respect should be at the core of your religious beliefs.

Recommended Resource: “God is My CEO: Following God’s Principles in a Bottom-Line World” by Larry Julian (Adams Media, 2001)