Comments on: Ask Richard: Surrounded by Evangelists at Work

By: Curtis

Curtis — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:51:56 +0000

Trying Richard’s advice make sense. However, in the long run Brett’s only realistic alternative will probably be to look for a new job. Bret needs to be able to fit in with the culture of the company even if the culture is inappropriate. If the culture is Christian, then he needs a thick skin.

If Brett goes to HR, he will be perceived as a complainer and will have problems at the company. It does not matter who is at fault, the person who complains is at best tarred with the same brush. More likely, he will be considered a whiner.

I am not defending the culture of the company but trying to be realistic. Yes, this is basically giving up but unless Brett can afford to be fired, he needs to be realistic.

By: hoverFrog

hoverFrog — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:49:27 +0000

BlueRidgeLady I do agree with you and in an ideal world “Brett” would tell the other guy where to stick his mumbo jumbo (in more polite terms) and any continuation of the harassment would be dealt with by management. From the information given I can’t see that happening. In fact I can see it getting worse. If the problem cannot be removed then he should remove himself from the problem.

Still, I can’t see a winner in this.

By: BlueRidgeLady

BlueRidgeLady — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:27:08 +0000

Hoverfrog-

I don’t know how bad it is and I am not criticizing the person if he does leave. However, it can send the message that being inappropriate to people you don’t understand or don’t “approve of” makes them leave. All you have to do is be an a-hole! Job searching is hell! Why should the letter-writer have to go through it. It’s that other guy who should stop his work-hindering actions or get the boot.

By: hoverFrog

hoverFrog — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:07:48 +0000

BlueRidgeLady

I think in a way that quitting the job is letting this guy win.

Who wins? He loses a target for his evangelism. The company loses a trained member of staff and all the experience and skill that goes with that. “Brett” gains another opportunity in a company and learns from the experience but has to go through the hassle of changing jobs. Sorry but I’m not seeing any winners.

By: BlueRidgeLady

BlueRidgeLady — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 04:03:09 +0000

I think in a way that quitting the job is letting this guy win. You have just as much of a right to keep your job as it is and provide for your family in a non-hostile work environment that anyone else does. The record-keeping is an excellent idea.

Do consider that a lot of people who are in love with their religion really do not think outside of themselves. It is a small but viable possibility that this person has no idea he is offending anyone.
For this reason I would certainly *not* go to HR without at least once or twice politely asking him to let you get to your work. How would you feel if someone went over your head w/o allowing you to fix the situation first?

By: anton kozlik

anton kozlik — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:29:34 +0000

The object is to win the war, not the battles. Remember the Jews and the Spanish Inquisition. They learned how to survive in a hostile environment. What makes you think that things are really that different in US America? Whether we like it or not, we live in a Judeo-Christian part of the world and we are certainly not a recognizable cohesive group. So, until we are, our strength is gained by learning to suck it up and learn to live with it. Get a new job when as soon as you can. Consider your job as a training you for bigger and better things to come. In the meantime, quit your whimpering and get on with life!

By: BruceH

BruceH — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 21:32:29 +0000

It could be worthwhile to investigate whether it is legal in his state to surreptitiously record the unwanted interruptions. In some states, it’s perfectly legal and would provide unassailable proof of the situation. The manager’s possible response of “he’s lying” would look pretty silly.

By: jdhuey

jdhuey — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:27:09 +0000

I agree with the strategy you outline; however, I would recommend the tactic of using the word ‘need’ when framing the request: I need to get back to work, I need you to quiet down, I need to get this work done, etc. By putting the request for quiet in terms of a need, rather than a want or a desire, it elevates its importance and it makes the request less personal – more work related.

By: hoverFrog

hoverFrog — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:25:49 +0000

Start looking for another job. As I see it the wage is not worth the hassle but you have commitments so you can’t just quit. The logical approach is to look for work elsewhere. I know times are hard but that just makes the task more difficult, not impossible.

A well run company will have HR give you an exit interview where you can provide your reasons for looking for another job. Leave the company with the problem of how to deal with evangelical workers. That isn’t your job.

That said I would notify HR now but make it clear that you don’t want any action taken for fear of losing your job. If you are fired later for simply being an atheist then you have ammunition for a law suit.

By: FSM_Ed

FSM_Ed — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:48:53 +0000

The Other Tom -

That is very thoughtful. Regardless of how calm and flat the tone of voice is, if Brett were to ask his coworker to please not be so disrupting it could always still escalate. The provoker is looking for a fight.