Religious discrimination in UK workplaces has surged in the wake of the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, according to new research.
The study, carried out by business psychologists Pearn Kandola, highlights how the conflict has fuelled a wave of Islamophobia and antisemitism, leaving Jewish and Muslim employees feeling increasingly isolated and vulnerable, particularly following last year’s attack on Israel (on 7 October 2023). The rise in discriminatory behaviour has been exacerbated by the influence of social media, which has played a significant role in spreading divisive narratives, according to the reearch.
Additionally, more than a third of Muslims (36%) and nearly half of Jewish employees (47%) surveyed believe that discrimination has escalated since the conflict began. These findings suggest that tensions are not confined to geopolitical arenas but are now affecting everyday interactions in the workplace.
RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION AT WORK
The report, which focuses on religious discrimination in the workplace, reveals alarming statistics. Since the start of the Israel-Gaza conflict, a quarter of Muslims (24%) and two-fifths of Jewish employees (39%) have faced overt or subtle forms of discrimination. This marks a concerning trend, with verbal harassment, stereotyping, and biased treatment becoming distressingly common for many in the workforce.
Social media is identified as a significant driver behind the rising Islamophobic and antisemitic sentiments. The research indicates that the rapid spread of harmful rhetoric and disinformation online has emboldened some individuals to express these views publicly, particularly in workplace settings. Professor Binna Kandola, senior partner at Pearn Kandola, emphasises the influential role that platforms like Facebook and Twitter play in shaping damaging narratives, contributing to the fear and isolation felt by religious communities.
“An important theme to emerge throughout this research was the power and influence of social media in creating very negative, damaging – and often false – narratives, which resulted in communities facing threats and intimidation. Platforms are shaping views and spreading false information. There is frustration about the spread of misinformation and its negative impact on Muslim communities. Muslims are sometimes asked to defend themselves against inaccurate portrayals,” said Professor Kandola.
“Many of the Jewish respondents described the damaging impact of online platforms in fostering antisemitic sentiments and the sense of betrayal they felt when colleagues or acquaintances shared anti-Israel or antisemitic content. Discussions online often became toxic, leaving Jewish individuals feeling unsafe, unheard, and marginalised.”
CONCEALING RELIGIOUS IDENTITY FOR SAFETY
The study paints a grim picture of how Jewish and Muslim employees are coping with increased hostility. Many Jewish respondents shared that they now avoid wearing outward symbols of their faith, such as the Star of David, or feel compelled to conceal their religious beliefs in certain settings. This silencing of identity reflects deeper concerns about safety, especially amid rising antisemitic sentiments linked to the conflict.
For Muslim communities, the atmosphere is equally alarming. Protests and riots have contributed to heightened safety concerns, with some individuals reporting that they feel unsafe in public spaces. Women and older family members, in particular, feel the need to limit their movements or avoid public places altogether due to fears of potential violence or abuse.
WORKPLACE INACTION
Despite the rising discrimination, the study also uncovered a worrying lack of trust in the mechanisms designed to address these issues. Only 16% of Muslim workers and 29% of Jewish workers have reported incidents of discrimination to HR. Many employees feel that their concerns are either ignored or inadequately addressed by their employers, leading to feelings of hurt, anger, and isolation, and, in the case of Jewish workers, a sense of being unsafe.
The report also points to a lack of workplace support, with 21% of Muslim workers and 31% of Jewish workers stating they feel unsupported by their employers. This suggests a disconnect between the growing threat of religious discrimination and the actions being taken by organisations to protect their employees.
ROLE OF EMPLOYERS: CALL FOR ACTION
Professor Kandola urges businesses to take a proactive stance in combatting the harmful effects of religious discrimination, especially during such politically charged times. “Global events like the Israel-Gaza conflict can severely damage community relations and employee harmony. Employers must step up to provide tangible support for their staff,” he said. “Our research found that Jews and Muslims experience subtle and overt forms of discrimination, often amplified by global events. They feel othered or excluded based on their religious identity, and many comments reflect fear or discomfort in public spaces.
“Importantly, all respondents want their workplaces to take stronger action in addressing stereotyping, fostering open dialogue, and making public commitments against discrimination. There is a shared need for organisations to actively support religious inclusion and create safe environments for expressing religious faith.”
SHARED HOPE FOR CHANGE
Despite the challenges, the study highlights a shared desire among both Jewish and Muslim employees for their workplaces to be safe spaces for open dialogue and religious expression. Participants called for stronger actions to counter stereotypes and foster cross-community understanding. There is a growing sense that only through proactive and sustained efforts can the harm caused by Islamophobia and antisemitism be addressed.
As Britain navigates this turbulent period, it is clear that both employers and society must confront the discrimination that is spilling over from global conflicts. Only by fostering inclusive environments can workplaces hope to bridge these divides and ensure that all employees, regardless of their religious beliefs, feel safe and supported
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COMBAT DISCRIMINATION
The report offers 10 key recommendations for organisations to adopt in the wake of global conflicts, including creating clear anti-discrimination policies, offering cultural sensitivity training, and fostering dialogue between employees of different faiths. These steps are critical in promoting inclusion and reducing tensions within the workplace. They include:
- Develop and enforce clear anti-discrimination policies.
- Create open channels for dialogue and support.
- Offer cultural awareness and sensitivity training.
- Ensure religious accommodations and inclusivity.
- Promote mental health and well-being resources.
- Lead by example with leadership and messaging.
- Foster cross-community understanding and allyship.
- Be proactive in tackling geopolitical tensions in the workplace.
- Regularly review and improve inclusion efforts.
- Respond appropriately to external pressures (e.g., protests or riots).
Click here to download a copy of the report.
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