Rise of religious diversity may sharpen conflicts

The American workplace, like the rest of U.S. society, is becoming more religiously diverse, which is raising concerns about employers’ accommodations for believers—and increasing the odds of uncomfortable moments happening around the water cooler.

One potential flashpoint among workers does not involve new immigrant faiths but rather two indigenous communities: white evangelicals and unaffiliated Americans who constitute one of the fastest-growing segments of the population.

A major factor contributing to workplace conflict, according to a survey released August 30, is that evangelicals—whose religious identity is tied to sharing their beliefs—are much more likely to talk about their faith at work than other religious and nonreligious groups.