Looking for advice

by PenSue 18 Replies latest jw experiences

• 

  Mulan

  I am unsure of when to separate religion from business and am confused about why it's ok for her to take the vacation days designated for Christmas, yet she can't cater to the needs of the business.

  I think you should ask her this question. Let us know what she says too.

  My mother in law was a cake decorator and a Jehovah's witness. She would have been out of a job if she refused to do holiday cakes, or birthday cakes. There aren't too many other reasons people get decorated cakes is there? It seems to be up to each individual as to how much they will do at holiday times.

  You could be right that she is using it as an excuse since she is willing to take the days off that Christmas and holidays allow. Maybe you could ask her to work those days and consider her reaction.

  Most of my Jehovah's witness friends who work in hospitals, volunteer to work on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years so their co workers can be with their families. Double time pay too.
• 

  what_Truth?

  The reason she wants vacation days off for Christmas even though she doesn't beleive in the holiday is simple. most Americans celebrate Christmas so most companies use the holidays as a time to conduct an anual shutdown and give all their employees time off regardless of religion. If her family and friends have time off she may want the vacation as an oportunity to visit with them.
• 

  blondie

  I struggle with certain issues such as sending Holiday cards to company clients. She won't do so because of her beliefs and the clients cannot be neglected so this of course creates added work to those who are already very busy.

  My suggestion is to have her trade duties with another employee doing similar or related work that does not involve holiday activities.

  For example, if one employee opens and stamps in the mail, could she do that instead and have the other employee prepare and send out the Christmas cards.

  Things like wearing a holiday pin would be difficult. Could she alter it to say something welcoming to the customer...You're The Best!--rather than Merry Christmas?

  This issue could come up with other people with different religious backgrounds, Jews, Muslims, and Bahais to name a few.

  Rather than try and insist that she see that her religious beliefs are wrong, it would be better to work around it. Is it necessary that she put up the decorations?

  I work in a government office and they are very careful not to put up decorations in the public areas. Saying Merry Christmas is a personal choice rather than an office policy.

  Don't see her actions as a challenge to your authority as a supervisor. I'm sure she is not trying to get out of work. Once again, try exchanging duties with another employee.

  When I was a JW, everyone loved the fact that I would be there to answer the phones and greet the customers while everyone had their holiday party.

  Blondie
• 

  outoftheorg

  I think everyone who posted on this thread deserves an ovation, congratulations, well done.

  Everything was done in a thoughtful way and very honest but understanding and without condemnation of anothers religious beliefs.

  Now, if we could only induce that behaviour into the wbts.

  Outoftheorg
• 

  MungoBaobab

  Those holiday cards are going to be thrown out without being read anyway, dude. It's called junk mail.

  Dear MUNGO BAOBAB (or current resident):

  We here at BOB'S GARAGE appreciate your business. We know money is tight, MUNGO, especially at this time of year. That's why we want to offer you $25 off your next oil change or tune-up!

  Happy Holidyas [sic]

  Bob's Garage
• 

  gdt

  awwww out of....your first two paragraphs were lovely, then the third seemed to contradict the first two......but to stick to the thread, yes you are right, it was a 'chrismassy' one wasn't it? Cheers, gdt
• 

  PenSue

  Wow, thank you all so very much,

  I know it's sometimes difficult to interpret one's thought via posts such as this but most of you got it. I am sincere, I adore my empoyee very much and if I did lose her, it would cause a great hardship, not just in terms of business, but on a level of friendship as well.

  I want to clarify that the cards being sent are not "religious" based and instead are wishful of a safe new year to come (I'm in the insurance biz) and a thank you for the business. However, since they are sent at a time when all Christmas cards are being sent, they are perceived as such. If the client chooses to throw them away, so be it. I cannot force them to stick it on the wall, but I can acknowledge my appreciation to them as my clients. To me, this level of gratitude is essential in keeping clients. That is of course my opinion.

  Now that being said, I see much more clearly the bigger picture. I don't care to mix religion with business and I'm sure she shares the same feelings. I don't want to make an issue of it but I do want her to pull her own weight. Since sending the cards (secular though sent during a christian "holiday") causes her emotional conflict, I will abide by her wishes and let it go at that. After all, I would not want to participate in an event that goes against everything I believe in. I am going to take the advice of the majority and give her alternative assignments which will not only remove her from the element of Christmas, but will enable her to apply her talents toward her job.

  I very much appreciate the responses I received, especially those that were courteous as I am only looking out for the best interest of my relationship with my valued employee. At the very least, it has inspired me to learn more about that which I am completely uneducated. I would not fathom to judge based on my own ignorance.

  I wish you all peace and harmony in life... Thank you again

  PenSue
• 

  NewLight2

  Hi PenSue!
  
  Why not send out a calendar at the end of the year while making no reference to any holiday season. I doubt that the JW employee would have a problem sending a 'Thank you for your business' type of letter that contained a simple calendar.
  
  Stick around and read some more posts from JWD.
  
  NewLight2
• 

  PenSue

  Newlight,

  That's a terrific idea. I'll work on that, thank you for the suggestion.

  PenSue