Expressing one’s religious beliefs at work is always something that is pinged with a degree of risk. It’s perhaps not surprising, therefore, that research from Rice University shows that bosses are more inclined to do so than subordinates.

The researchers used survey data collected from a representative sample of employed adults in the United States. The study examined various expressions of religion, such as displaying religious symbols, feeling at ease discussing faith, and speaking out against unjust work practices that contradicted their beliefs.

Expression at work

The researchers explain that expressing one’s self at work is typically influenced by more things than just our personal identity or level of religious enthusiasm.

“Leaders who are free to express their faith would do well to recognize that subordinates may suppress their religious identity at work to avoid alienation, obtain promotion or manage job insecurity,” they explain.

Previous studies concerning religious expression in the workplace have predominantly centered around the effects of such expression on reducing stress, enhancing job contentment, and boosting performance. According to the researchers, the recent study can assist leaders, managers, and human resource officers in assessing how their company’s culture and policies either foster or restrict religious expression for individuals across different organizational levels.

“We found that those at the bottom of their organizations may have more limited ability to draw on the resources of religion to cope with the stresses of work,” the researchers conclude. “It would be helpful for organizational leaders to recognize how this can impact worker health, well-being and productivity.”