The burkini is a full-body swimsuit worn by some Muslim women who want to cover their bodies while swimming. The burkini has also been a topic of discussion in the workplace, where some employers have taken issue with employees wearing the garment. In this article, we will explore the issue of the burkini and the workplace, examining whether it is a dress code issue, a religious issue, or a combination of both.
What is the burkini?
The burkini is a type of swimsuit that covers the whole body except for the face, hands, and feet. It has become popular among Muslim women who want to enjoy the beach or pool without revealing their bodies in public.
The burkini has been the subject of controversy in France and other countries, where some people see it as a symbol of religious extremism or cultural difference. In 2016, several French towns banned the burkini on public beaches, citing concerns about public order and secularism.
The burkini and the workplace
The burkini has also become an issue in the workplace, where some employers have taken issue with employees wearing the garment. The question is whether the burkini is a dress code issue, a religious issue, or a combination of both.
Dress code issue
Employers have the right to establish dress codes and grooming policies that are reasonable and non-discriminatory. Some employers may view the burkini as a violation of their dress code or grooming policy, particularly if the garment is not consistent with the organization’s professional image or safety requirements.
For example, an employer may require employees to wear uniforms or specific clothing that is consistent with the organization’s branding or customer service standards. In such cases, the employer may view the burkini as non-compliant with the dress code, regardless of the employee’s religious beliefs.
Similarly, an employer may require employees to wear clothing that is safe and appropriate for their job duties. For example, an employer may require employees who work with machinery or chemicals to wear protective clothing that covers the body. In such cases, the employer may view the burkini as a safety violation or a hindrance to the employee’s ability to perform their job duties.
Religious issue
The burkini may also be viewed as a religious issue, particularly if the employee wears the garment as a manifestation of their religious beliefs. A reasonable accommodation may include allowing the employee to wear the burkini as long as it does not interfere with the employee’s job duties or create a safety risk.
Combination of both
The issue of the burkini and the workplace may be a combination of both a dress code issue and a religious issue. In such cases, the employer may need to balance the organization’s dress code or grooming policy with the employee’s religious beliefs and the legal requirement to provide a reasonable accommodation.
For example, an employer may require employees to wear specific clothing that is consistent with the organization’s professional image, but may also need to make a reasonable accommodation for an employee who wears the burkini as a religious expression. In such cases, the employer may need to find a compromise that allows the employee to wear the burkini in a way that is consistent with the dress code and does not compromise the employee’s religious beliefs.
Conclusion
The burkini and the workplace is a complex issue that requires employers to balance their dress code or grooming policies with the employee’s religious beliefs and the legal requirement to provide a reasonable accommodation. The burkini may be viewed as a dress code issue, a religious issue, or a combination of both, depending on the employer’s policies and the employee’s reasons for wearing the garment.