Lisa H., a registered nurse, has worked triage in the Emergency Department in a regional midwestern hospital for 12 years. Originally from New Jersey, she was a nonpracticing Jew until her late 20s. Now, approaching 40, she has become increasingly committed to religious observance. She keeps kosher at home, bringing her own food to staff lunch meetings. She has been able to use vacation time for the major High Holy Days, but would like to be shomer shabbos (follow strict sabbath observance) and has requested a permanent schedule change from her supervisor, with a written explanation attached, to reflect her need to not work any Friday afternoon through Saturday evening. The supervisor refused her, saying it would not be fair to the other nurses, that Lisa should also try to “fit in more—be part of the team,” as the others perceived her as “standoffish.” When Lisa said it was a religious requirement for her, the supervisor said maybe she should “. . . consider going back to New Jersey where she’d be more comfortable.”
How do you feel about Lisa’s request?
How might this request be honored?
Was the supervisor culturally competent in this situation?
If Lisa were to discuss the issue at a team meeting, how could she present her concerns?
What does EEOC say about honoring employees requests for time off for holidays?
