Under the First Amendment, Americans enjoy two freedoms with respect to religion: the right to be free from a government-imposed religion and a right to practice any religion they choose.

Like Ford Motor Co., the company you work for may have a diverse employee base, and therefore, different cultures and religious backgrounds collide. However, it doesn't have to be a collision--it should be an acceptance of differences with a focus on the common goal: getting the job done.

"What we try to do is talk about what we share in common," says Trawick. "What are the values we hold in common … as opposed to those that are different for each group."

"It's more of a question of 'How do we manage [religion] in a way that reflects the diversity of faith, traditions and spiritual expressions?' or 'How do we honor people's individual paths?'" says Judith Neal, founder of the International Center for Spirit at Work.

Religion is such a huge part of life for many people that it cannot be ignored even while they are at work.

"What motivates a lot of people is closely related to their faith," says Joe Lewis, secretary of the Ford Interfaith Network (FIN) at Ford Motor Co. "It gives them a lot of energy and inspiration, and for some people, it's already the foundation of their moral activity, and you certainly want people to act morally in the workplace. So to keep it out means that instead of bringing the whole of the employee and the best of the employee into the workplace, you're keeping some of it out."

"It's very important to recognize that religious faith is very central to many people and they can't check their faith at the door," says Neal. "I think the basic awareness that organizations need to have is that people bring their faith, spirit and religion to the workplace already, so if you're talking about "should we [allow religion in the workplace]," I am sorry, but it's already happening when people walk in the door."

Employers and employees can accommodate individual religions by making small adjustments to the workplace. Things such as prayer or meditation rooms, employee-resource groups that cater to religion such as Ford's FIN group, personal time off to celebrate religious holidays, and the general respect for others and their differences can make religion in the workplace friendly while still meeting the everyday requirements of running a successful business.

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