If your religious beliefs, practices or observances sometimes conflict with your work schedule or job duties, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation from your employer. A reasonable accommodation is a change to a workplace rule, policy or practice that allows you to practice your faith while still doing your job.
Federal law, specifically Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, requires employers to consider these requests as long as they do not create an undue hardship for the business. That does not mean your employer has to agree to everything you ask, but they cannot turn you down just because it is inconvenient or unpopular with coworkers.
Examples of religious accommodations you can request
Depending on your needs and the nature of your job, here are some common accommodations you might ask for:
- Schedule changes: You might ask to start earlier or later, swap shifts or take certain days off to observe religious holidays or attend services.
- Dress and grooming exceptions: If your religion requires specific clothing, hairstyles or grooming practices such as wearing a hijab, yarmulke, turban or keeping a beard, you can request an exception to the company’s dress code.
- Prayer time or religious breaks: You may need short breaks during the day for prayer or a quiet space to pray or meditate. Let your employer know what you need and when.
- Modified job duties: If certain tasks conflict with your religious beliefs, you can ask to be reassigned to other duties if available.
- Time off for religious observances: You can request paid or unpaid time off to attend religious events or holidays, even if they do not fall on company holidays.
Your employer should work with you in good faith to find a solution. If you feel like your request is being dismissed without a real explanation or you are being treated differently because of your faith, it may be time to speak with someone about your legal options.