8th December 2002

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Relationships between Catholics and Protestants in the workplace have improved, with employees wanting to leave sectarian conflict behind them, according to University of Ulster research.

A report, commissioned by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, reveals that the vast majority of employees wish to leave political conflict outside the factory gate or office door.

Co-author of the report Dr David Dickson said: “We found that there was a general feeling of the cross-community situation at work having improved, together with a strong desire for this trend to continue.

“We also found evidence of supportive, friendly and trusting associations in all organisations involved in the study."

However, the researchers found that there is still room for improvement and that employers could do more to overcome problems that emerge.

Co-author, Professor Owen Hargie said: “It was strongly believed that organisations could do significantly more to relieve the tensions that do exist. This sentiment was shared by both religious groups and was not restricted to the minority section of the workforce in any organisation.

“Neutralising the workplace, as a strategy for managing difference, received a very strong endorsement from the workforce. There is a clear preference for creating a ‘sanctuary of neutrality’ in organisations.

“Another reoccurring theme was the need for organisations to introduce social functions or events where staff could socialise together outside of the work environment. Despite contact between Catholics and Protestants on a daily basis in the workplace, there is little extension of this relationship outside the working environment. Many employees are leaving work and returning home to segregated areas where they have no contact with people from other communities. Employees expressed a strong desire to socialise with colleagues from different religious backgrounds in an environment in which they would all feel safe.”

The Report concludes that the task of creating closer ties between the two sections of the workforce is one that must be given greater attention. Organisations should set internal targets to measure the success of inter-group relations and monitor these regularly. While ensuring the neutrality of the workplace, management should also aspire to the greater development of respect for diversity and avail of changing opportunities to bring this about through, for example, training.

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk