Religion Presence Is 'More Visible' In French Work Places, Conflicts Rising

By Julie Brown Patton
France Religion at Work
There is a growing presence of religion in work places in France, and with it comes a growing amount of religion-based conflicts, a new study by the Observatory for Religion in the Workplace and the Randstad Institute found. Reuters

Signs and items reflecting religion in work places throughout France are increasing. With that growing presence has come more religion-based conflicts, a new study found. Called "More Visible," the report was published on Thursday by the Observatory for Religion in the Workplace and the Randstad Institute.

The study established that 65 percent of workers say they have seen signs of religion in the workplace over the past year, report The Local. The percentage was a significant jump from the 50 percent who said the same thing in the previous, annual survey.

The study reportedly took into account all religions.

Among these reports of religion at the workplace, 21 percent of managers said they had come across people wearing religious symbols; 18 percent said they'd had people asking for time off work for religious purposes; and 8 percent said they had come across people praying during a break. 

"The majority of the time, these instances do not hinder the work," Lionel Honoré, director of the observatory, told Le Figaro newspaper

However, conflicts caused by displays of religion are increasing, too, according to the study. Of those questioned, 9 percent said that religion had caused some kind of conflict in the workplace, compared with 6 percent in 2014. The most commonly occurring conflict was men refusing to report to a female supervisor, an aspect that was reported in 4 percent of cases. 

One percent of conflict cases involved people refusing to work with anyone who didn't practice the same religion. 

"Employees are less hesitant about making requests to their superiors in line with their beliefs and religious practices," concluded the report, which also found sources of conflict included wearing of religious symbols (by 17 percent of respondents) and dislike about colleagues requesting time off for religious holidays (19 percent), reports CIPD.

While new labor laws in France spell out that work places need to respect people's fundamental rights and freedoms, such as gender equality, The Local reported many managers are still uncertain what their legal rights are when such cases erupt. 

French government officials announced plans to release a specific guide on religion in the workplace. Due to be published in October, the guide is expected to explain employee and employer rights related to religious confrontations at work. The guide reportedly will outline 39 specific cases as examples.  

France's controversial approach to religious clothing made world headlines this summer after a slew of coastal towns, most on the Riviera, banned the "burkini." The bans have since been overturned by France's highest court, but not before a huge debate kicked off, reminiscent of the country's 2010 ban on the burqa. 

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo