DiversityInc - November/December 2008

Why Have a Religious Employee-Resource Group? Case Study No. 1: Ford Motor Co. When done well, these groups create a more inclusive atmosphere by educating people about

allowed in any way to board: Buddhists, espouse beliefs that Catholics, evangelical disparage any groups, Christians, Hindus, including LGBT people. Muslims, Jews, Orthodox

Let’s start with the Christians and members most advanced, Ford of the Church of Jesus

Motor Co.’s Ford Inter- Christ of Latter-day faith Network (FIN), an Saints. There are 10 unparalleled example of other affiliates: Asatru, inclusivity. Ford has a his- Seventh-day Adventists,

tory of strong employee- Baha’i, Sikh, Humanists,

resource groups used Spiritists, Jainists,

a s critical arms of the members of the Unitarian business. The compa- Universalist Association, ny requires that the Pagans, Zoroastrianists groups support its and Nazarean Essene. business goals and FIN distributes an objectives, be open to e-mail newsletter and

ALL employees, com- web pages to more than ply with company poli- 3,500 employees globally c ies and procedures, and that includes information respect employee diversity on all religions, includ-

their coworkers’ needs and differences. ing holidays, history and and customs. They FIN was launched in customs. FIN has also address work/life issues May 2001 at the request of been involved in: a Global such as leaving early for employees. The company Non-Violence Conference; holidays, prayer rooms, saw the benefits of support a Jordanian Interfaith Co-fasting and attire. for its diversity and work/

But while many life initiatives as well companies flirt with as a strong connection the idea of starting into various com-religious-employee munities, including groups, most shy away. the growing Muslim

They are concerned about population in the proselytizing, appearing to Michigan area where support a majority religion Ford is headquartered. and therefore excluding Concerned that a religious others, and backlash group could create the existence visit with Middle This year, the consultancy against their support of perception of a hostile en- Eastern leaders; sponsor- decided to start its first LGBT rights from more vironment or could disrupt ing the National Day of Interfaith Group. conservative religious work routine, Ford decided Prayer at Ford headquar- Why? “We had a num-groups. The companies to have a board represent- ters annually; lunchtime ber of requests to start an that have implemented ing at least five religions. study groups; influencing interfaith-interest group true interfaith religious Anyone could join, and the workplace rules to create in order to better under-networks report none group had to be focused on flexible hours for religious stand different religions of those problems; their business-related issues. needs; onsite meditation and promote understand-groups are educational, Today, these groups and prayer rooms; and ing between people of open to all and are not have seats on the FIN allowing for appropriate different faiths, as faith is

religious attire. And FIN worked with Sodexo, No. 12 in the DiversityInc Top 50, to create faith-friendly meals in Ford cafeterias.

Dan Dunnigan, chair of FIN and manager of worldwide volumes for Ford, explained the value of the group to the company this way: “We really believe that the company encourages us to bring ourselves to work. Whatever makes you tick, regardless of religion, you don’t have to check yourself at the door. The company benefits, and so do you.”