A new study has revealed that religious tensions in French workplaces have reached their highest levels since records began in 2013, with Islam emerging as the focal point of many conflicts.
The 2024 Baromètre du Fait Religieux en Entreprise, published by Institut Montaigne, shows that over 70% of companies are now dealing with incidents tied to religious beliefs, marking a sharp rise from previous years.
The report highlights the increasing visibility of Islamic practices as a major factor in these tensions. Issues related to religious symbols, prayer routines, and differing views on women have been particularly disruptive to workplace harmony. Islam now accounts for 81% of all religious incidents, up from 73% in 2022. A significant rise has been noted in the visibility of Islamic symbols, such as the hijab, now appearing in 36% of reported cases—almost double the figure from two years ago.
Requests from Muslim employees for schedule adjustments to accommodate religious observances and prayer breaks have also become more common, adding complexity to workplace management. These issues are especially prevalent among young Muslim men in lower-skilled positions. Behaviors such as refusing to work with women or attempting to convert colleagues have been disproportionately associated with Islamic practices, further fueling conflicts.
As tensions rise, reports of discrimination against Muslims have also surged, with 71% of documented incidents of stigmatization and bias linked to this group. While tensions around Islam dominate the conversation, Jewish employees are also facing an increase in workplace exclusion, with incidents of professional marginalization doubling since the last survey.
The report underscores the urgent need for businesses to develop clear policies that balance religious freedom with workplace neutrality. It calls for comprehensive measures, including training for managers, clearer guidelines, and inclusion initiatives, to help reduce religious tensions and create a more effective, harmonious work environment.
