Laboratory and Field Research

Role of Religious Diversity

A.) Challenges

Laboratory and field research requires cooperation amongst a wide array of people. These people can come from various backgrounds with regard to age, race, religion, place of origin, sex, political affiliation, sexual orientation, and more.
- Religious diversity can create tensions between coworkers as some people may not be as tolerant and respectful toward others of differing religious affiliation. These tensions have the potential to create a less effective and fluid work environment, especially since workers in this field quite often have to collaborate and cooperate with one another to reach their intended ends.

B.) Practices for Creating an Effective Workplace Environment

Aligning the workplace calendar with more than only the most "popular" observed religious holidays
- For one example, the Forensic Anthropology Center at the University of Tennessee follows the University's calendar, which observes mostly Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter.
- Followers of other religious traditions would have to put in a request for an accommodation for time off to observe their religion's holiday(s).
- By implementing a calendar that observes a wider array of religious holidays, people of various faiths can feel more seen and respected, and will not feel as though they are outcasted from popular traditions.

C.) Resources