Hinduism is one of the oldest religions and there is evidence of the existence of Hinduism dating back 4,000 years. Hinduism is the third-largest religion in the UK, with more than 1.6 million followers as of the 2021 census. So, how can we support our Hindu colleagues at work?
Promote cultural awareness and education
We can promote awareness and education through diversity training sessions, cultural events, and educational materials that highlight key aspects of Hindu culture, beliefs and practices. For instance, Hinduism places significant importance on values like non-violence (ahimsa), respect for all living beings, and karma (the law of cause and effect).
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Educating non-Hindu colleagues about these principles can help foster mutual respect and reduce the potential for misunderstandings.
Dietary accommodations
Many Hindus follow vegetarian or plant-based diets, often for religious reasons. Providing a variety of food options in office settings or during catered events is another way that HR can demonstrate support. Ensuring that vegetarian, vegan, and non-beef options are available is a simple yet meaningful way to acknowledge Hindu employees’ dietary preferences.
Religious festivals
One of the most immediate ways that HR can support Hindu employees is by recognising and respecting their religious practices and holidays. Hinduism has several major religious festivals, including Diwali, Holi, Navaratri, and Raksha Bandhan, which are of great significance.
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Moreover, HR policies should accommodate fasting practices or dietary restrictions that some Hindus observe during religious periods, such as during Navaratri. Hosting Hindu cultural events or celebrating festivals such as Diwali or Holi in the workplace can also help Hindu employees feel included. These celebrations can promote team bonding while fostering a greater appreciation for Hindu customs and traditions among non-Hindu employees.
Dress code policies
Dress codes should be flexible to accommodate traditional Hindu attire. For instance, some Hindu women may wear sarees or salwar kameez, and men might wear kurta-pajames during religious observations. You may see Hindu’s wearing a red and yellow thread around their wrist, this is called a Mauli. HR should ensure that dress code policies are inclusive and respectful of these traditional garments.
Funerals and bereavement
HR should be aware and accommodating of the Hindu traditions around bereavement.
Hindus observe a period of mourning, which traditionally lasts from 10 to 13 days. During this time, the family traditionally abstains from religious festivals, social events, and celebration.
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Cremation is the preferred method of handling the body in Hinduism, symbolising the release of the soul from its earthly vessel. Hindus believe that the soul (atman) is eternal and undergoes a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) until it attains liberation (moksha). A person’s next life is determined by their karma (deeds) in previous lives.
On the first anniversary of the death, families observe a larger ceremony called the 'Shraadh', which is repeated annually as a way of paying respect to their ancestors.
Support for inclusion and diversity forums
HR can also support Hindu employees by facilitating the creation of inclusion and diversity (I&D) forums that focus on Hindu culture or spirituality. These groups provide a platform for employees to connect with one another, share experiences, and educate the broader workplace community. I&D forums can host events, discussions, or workshops that explore Hindu philosophy, traditions, and religious practices, thereby promoting understanding and inclusion.
The best employers are those that engage with their people and are inclusive to all individuals.
By Prianka Jaidka, HR business partner for LSL Property services
