Christmas is a time of giving and a season to spread holiday cheer. However, not everyone celebrates it, primarily because ofreligious beliefs.That then begs a rather interesting question: Can an employee who doesn’t celebrate Christmas be allowed to take time off during the holiday season?This particular issuearose at aworkplacewhen a Muslim employee decided he wouldgo awayon Christmas week, something his coworker had a problem with.ÂThe colleague is now asking the internet whether they are being unreasonable. Scroll down for the entire story.ÂRELATED:Not everyone celebrates Christmas because of differing religious beliefsImage credits:LightFieldStudios (not the actual photo)A Muslim employee’s plan to take time off during Christmas week didn’t sit well with one of his colleaguesImage credits:Nicole Michalou (not the actual photo)The co-worker provided justifications for why they questioned the man’s vacation plansÂImage credits:Username638There are laws that prohibit any form of religion-based discriminationCompanies want to avoid conflict among employees because of their religion, which led tothe enactmentofTitle VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This law protects workers and job applicants from discrimination based on national origin, race, gender, and religious affiliations.ÂSince Christmas is widely celebrated worldwide, most organizations offer paid time off around this time. Therefore, even employees who don’t celebrate this holiday get to enjoy the same luxury as those who do.ÂUnder this law, a company cannot impose religious practices on people with differing beliefs or make attending holiday events mandatory, especially if alcohol is involved. In such cases, employeesmay suetheir employers for discrimination.ÂIn the story, the man had the right as an employee to use his paid time off whenever he wanted to, regardless of whether he celebrated Christmas. He wasn’t forced to partake in holiday traditions, either.ÂPlanning ahead is the best way to avoid PTO conflicts during the holiday seasonThe holiday season means an influx of people wanting to take time off to celebrate with their loved ones. Planning weeks, even months, in advance may help avoid potential conflict.ÂDana Burch, senior counsel for labor relations law firm Liebert Cassidy Whitmore, advises creating a holiday calendar highlighting important dates and sharing it with coworkers.ÂOpen communication is equally important, especially for vacation-related matters. Burch also reminds employees to coordinate with colleagues to cover essential tasks during their time off.“Be proactive, communicate openly, and keep the spirit of the season alive in your workplace,” Burch wrote in an article onLinkedIn.ÂThe author has no control over their colleague’s decisions andwhen he wantsto take his vacation. However, they do have control over their own schedule, which they could have fixed ahead of time.Readers had mixed reactions to the storyThanks! Check out the results:

Christmas is a time of giving and a season to spread holiday cheer. However, not everyone celebrates it, primarily because ofreligious beliefs.

That then begs a rather interesting question: Can an employee who doesn’t celebrate Christmas be allowed to take time off during the holiday season?This particular issuearose at aworkplacewhen a Muslim employee decided he wouldgo awayon Christmas week, something his coworker had a problem with.Â

The colleague is now asking the internet whether they are being unreasonable. Scroll down for the entire story.Â

RELATED:

Not everyone celebrates Christmas because of differing religious beliefs

Employee at desk looking upset next to a Christmas tree, reflecting seasonal workplace dynamics.

Image credits:LightFieldStudios (not the actual photo)

A Muslim employee’s plan to take time off during Christmas week didn’t sit well with one of his colleagues

Text discussing if non-celebrants should get Christmas off work, mentioning a Muslim employee’s situation.

Text explaining unfairness over Muslim employee taking Christmas break off.

Text about a Muslim employee taking Christmas off, causing coworker upset.

Text message discussing common decency and a Muslim coworker taking Christmas break off.

Text questioning holiday leave fairness in workplace.

Text expressing opinion on time off and mentioning Eid.

Text story about considering others' needs for time off during Christmas break.

Colleagues enjoying a festive dinner, toasting at a decorated table during Christmas celebration.

Image credits:Nicole Michalou (not the actual photo)

The co-worker provided justifications for why they questioned the man’s vacation plansÂ

“Text post discussing annual leave request and personal time off needs.

Text message discussing reasons for taking Christmas break off at work.

Text highlighting coworker conflict over Christmas break and common decency.

Text excerpt discusses fairness in taking Christmas break off from work.

Image credits:Username638

There are laws that prohibit any form of religion-based discrimination

Companies want to avoid conflict among employees because of their religion, which led tothe enactmentofTitle VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This law protects workers and job applicants from discrimination based on national origin, race, gender, and religious affiliations.Â

Since Christmas is widely celebrated worldwide, most organizations offer paid time off around this time. Therefore, even employees who don’t celebrate this holiday get to enjoy the same luxury as those who do.Â

Under this law, a company cannot impose religious practices on people with differing beliefs or make attending holiday events mandatory, especially if alcohol is involved. In such cases, employeesmay suetheir employers for discrimination.Â

In the story, the man had the right as an employee to use his paid time off whenever he wanted to, regardless of whether he celebrated Christmas. He wasn’t forced to partake in holiday traditions, either.Â

Planning ahead is the best way to avoid PTO conflicts during the holiday season

The holiday season means an influx of people wanting to take time off to celebrate with their loved ones. Planning weeks, even months, in advance may help avoid potential conflict.Â

Dana Burch, senior counsel for labor relations law firm Liebert Cassidy Whitmore, advises creating a holiday calendar highlighting important dates and sharing it with coworkers.Â

Open communication is equally important, especially for vacation-related matters. Burch also reminds employees to coordinate with colleagues to cover essential tasks during their time off.Â

“Be proactive, communicate openly, and keep the spirit of the season alive in your workplace,” Burch wrote in an article onLinkedIn.Â

The author has no control over their colleague’s decisions andwhen he wantsto take his vacation. However, they do have control over their own schedule, which they could have fixed ahead of time.

Readers had mixed reactions to the story

Text exchange about Muslim employee taking Christmas off, coworker expresses frustration over holiday coverage.

Text discussion on Muslim employee’s Christmas break and annual leave policy.

Comments discussing a Muslim employee taking Christmas leave, highlighting decency and entitlement issues.

Discussion about a Muslim employee taking Christmas break, causing coworker upset.

Text conversation about a Muslim employee taking time off during Christmas, raising fairness issues.

Text discussing fairness in holiday leave during Christmas and other religious celebrations.

Text discussing the reasons behind celebrating Christmas, focusing on family and religious aspects.

Text conversation about a Muslim employee taking Christmas break off, discussing decency and leave policies.

Text addressing fairness for Muslim employee taking Christmas break.

Text discussing a Muslim employee’s right to take Christmas off, addressing common workplace holiday assumptions.

Thanks! Check out the results:You May LikeGuy Works 50+ Hours/Week Only For His Successor To Automate Everything And Have Nothing To DoIndrė LukošiūtėSupervisor Reprimanded By HR, He Leaves Them To Deal With Troublesome EmployeeRūta Zumbrickaitė26 Professions That Everyone Hates and Roasts Until They Actually Need Their HelpRūta Zumbrickaitė

Indrė Lukošiūtė

Rūta Zumbrickaitė

Work & Money