EY has launched a diversity and training program to help organizations better understand what religious inclusion means and how it can positively impact business.
EY and Coexist House teamed up to launch Religious Literacy for Organizations (RLO) to help companies and their employees improve their understanding of religious diversity and inclusion.
The Pew Research Center estimates that 84 percent of individuals around the globe say they belong to a religion.
“The concept of religious literacy starts from the observation that there is a lack of understanding about religion and belief in the workplace,” Adam Dinham, professor of faith and public policy for Goldsmiths, University of London, said. “However, it is not about religious education or necessarily about having more religion in the workplace; rather, it is about having the confidence and skills to deal effectively and positively with religion and belief issues when they occur.”
Recognizing religious diversity at work improves recruitment and the retention of employees and also boosts the company’s reputation.
The RLO program explains religious literacy and helps individuals explore their own perceptions about faith while becoming more accepting of those of different faiths.
“Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, the EY RLO toolkit provides a framework that can be integrated into a business’ existing suite of inclusive learning tools to amplify and add value to working relationships,”
Kamran Malik, EY global learning and digital engagement leader, said. “Its application can help businesses recognize that a religious diversity framework can be used to support team cohesion, satisfaction and performance; attract and retain talent, customers, clients and partners; as well as enhance stakeholder experience and client relations.”
