From Google to Facebook to Walmart, companies from a range of industries are recognizing that faith-friendly environments mean better workplaces and better businesses. This trend will be the topic of a first-of-its-kind conference in February.
The Busch School of Business at Catholic University and the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation (RFBF) will gather employees and executives to discuss the importance of corporate programs that foster religious inclusion. The two-day conference will take place at The Catholic University of America, Maloney Hall, on Thursday and Friday, Feb. 13-14, 2020.
Sue Warnke, Salesforce senior director of content and communication experience and the president of Faithforce San Francisco, will be the principal speaker, with Busch School Dean Andrew Abela scheduled to present, as well, and University President John Garvey delivering a welcoming message. A range of corporate speakers will also discuss the importance of faith in business.
Walmart, the nation’s largest company, launched its first ever interfaith Employee Resource Group (ERG) this Fall. The event will feature executives and members of faith-oriented ERGs sharing best practices, challenges, and opportunities for starting and growing the ERG movement. Other topics covered will include: Why Faith-Friendly is Important to Business, Workplace Spirituality, Workplace Chaplains, and Resources for Corporate Literacy and Accountability on Religious Inclusion.
“The religious dimension is an essential part of human life, and any vibrant business ought to welcome and support this dimension,” said Dean Abela. “At the Busch School of Business, we teach that faith and business aren’t mutually exclusive. Employees should not have to check their beliefs at the door.”
The Busch School of Business was launched in 2013 with the mission of developing virtuous business leaders and using the resources of the Catholic intellectual tradition to advance a vision of business in service to society and human dignity.
“Corporate America is recognizing that respect for faith expression is vital to recruitment, retention and creating a productive work environment,” says Brian Grim, president of RFBF. “This conference will explore for the first time what’s working, challenges and ways businesses can foster a more faith-inclusive environment to lift all boats.”
RFBF is the first organization dedicated to educating businesses about why religious freedom will enable them to be more productive and successful, and how they can incorporate it into their strategic plans for the benefit of their stakeholders, employees, and society.
ERGs, employees, and companies wishing to attend or sponsor can contact contact@religiousfreedomandbusiness.org.
MEDIA: To cover the event and/or schedule an interview, contact the Office of Communications at communications@cua.edu or 202-319-6972.