An employee in my office is a religious fanatic. This level of religious enthusiasm in the workplace seems inappropriate--am I wrong?

This will depend upon where you work. If you work for a government office; proselytizing is not only inappropriate -- it is generally against government regulations. I have worked for the federal government (US Dept. of Army Co) and 2 state governments. Neither would tolerate this behavior. When I worked for the federal (US) military command, things were much more strict than any other place I've worked. We had a commander who did not permit more than a very few personal items in our cubes. Thus, when we were going to have inspection everyone raced about cleaning up. I am certain that situation varies from commander to commander though. I disliked the requirement of uniformity in that particular job.

Within the corporate and non-profit worlds, you need to check your organization's employee policies. This particular issue is covered by most such policies, since it is a common situation. If you don't have an employee handbook/manual/policy (whatever your organization has titled the document) yourself, contact your HR to obtain one. Of course, if you are working for a religious organization, most of what I�m about to say is non-relevant. When working for a religious organization, one should expect that particular religious view to be expressed. Since you are questioning this woman�s behavior, I will assume that you do not work for a religious organization.

As far as the decorations of your coworker's cube, she is exercising her freedom of speech. Often, we cube dwellers express ourselves within our cubes to escape feelings of uniformity that cube life can bring. As long as her decor is not in a shared area, she can do what she likes. By your description, she is approaching inappropriate behavior. Of course, this is coming from a non-Christian who does not appreciate receiving unsolicited sermons from those of different faiths. However, inappropriate and "not allowed" are often two different things!

I enjoy learning of other's beliefs, but I am not comfortable discussing such things in the workplace. More so, I personally do not appreciate quotes and such that are not invitations to open conversation. If this is the case with you, you might mention to her that she is making you uncomfortable. You are in a "captive" situation; you cannot very well choose not to listen if she is encountering you during your workday. Freedom of speech is a limited freedom. It is the concept of �captive audiences� that limits freedom of speech within schools, on public transportation, on public administration grounds and other areas people cannot easily avoid.
When I rode the DC metro daily, there were protestors who knew their law and silently stood with placards and handouts. That is legal behavior because riders can sit without looking at the protestors (read, close eyes, look out the window, listen to music). Verbal protest is much more difficult to avoid.

If she persists in quoting verses to you, you might want to mention your discomfort to your supervisor. If you and she do not share the same supervisor, discuss the situation with your own supervisor. S/he may have a better idea of how to handle this situation within your particular office environment. The last thing you want to do is fuel any potential trouble.

Comments

Bingo, (see my answer). It WAS a government office
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by Andy Is Wicked Married to Penal Colony on January 14th, 2006
FPM regulations do not prohibit the decoration of workspaces with religious items per se.
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by RJTRIES on February 27th, 2006
Last time, I checked reading the Bible and talking about God was a 1st Amendment right.
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by Answers101 on April 7th, 2006
Answers 101, So is saying Oh Lord or Jesus Fucking Christ! a 1st amendment right...since when was it the job of the religious to poice the rest of us?
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by Occams Electric Razor on January 25th, 2009
@ Occams Electric Razor

I agree with you although we should be respectful of these types of people, unless you were just absolutely infuriated with them, I could understand using those words.
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by RadioHeadFan on May 22nd, 2010

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An employee in my office is a religious fanatic. This level of religious enthusiasm in the workplace seems inappropriate--am I wrong?

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