Somebody pointed out this morning on breakfast television that when you're being interviewed, it's illegal to ask about somebody's religion - just as you can't ask about a person's family situation, sexuality and all sorts of other things. Of course, for the latter when interviewing, you'll make it very clear if there are travel requirements for the role or other things which make a candidate aware of what is required of them.
Another thing about working in large companies over many years is that most make adjustments for their team members with some religious observances. Large companies will often have prayer rooms - if not, many a meeting room has been sequestered for daily prayers. I remember one colleague having his kilim rolled up under his desk and occasionally you'd find him praying behind the photo copier. I've had friends take longer lunches on Fridays or skip out early on a Friday night so they can make the sunset curfew and the Friday seder.
Another great thing about larger companies is that they seem to make a big deal about all sorts of religious festivals. Eid, Ramadan, Passover, Diwali... you name it, there will be a morning tea for it. And it's a really cool thing to do.
Another good thing about working for large companies is that they actively promote inclusion and diversity.
It's been interesting, on the other hand, to watch the goings on at the Essendon Football Club. Andrew Thorburn, the former CEO of one of Australia's biggest banks took the job on at Essendon, only to resign the following day after social media blew up after finding that he was on the board of a conservative Christian Church.
Watching all of this from afar, I've wondered about a few things.
I've pondered why the headhunter wouldn't have brought up the ultra-conservative views of the Church on which Thorburn is a member of the board. It's a matter of public record.
But I also get how the AFL seems to have presented a "them or us" decision to him as well - and Thorburn chose his faith over football. And that appears to have been his decision. Or, as this is a matter of public record, why did Essendon not see this as a big deal. Would it have been a problem if he was a garden variety Catholic or Anglican? I'd say not.
Talking about it at the gym tonight, we all agreed that the fact the CEO of one of the largest AFL clubs being a part of a conservative church which actively shuns homosexuality and abortion is a terrible look. That the AFL has struggled with diversity and inclusion for many, I can see why having a CEO with any associations to such a church being a bad idea.
But people are entitled to their personal faith as well. It's something you can't take away from people. It's been pointed out that he may have a case to legally
Thorburn has stated that he has not seen this sort of belief in this church. It doesn't mean that others that think or preach that way.
I really don't know what to think about it all. There are too many sides to the story.
It's just a pity it's all go so ugly. Looking at all sides, can anybody find a sane way forward?
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