CEO/Board Brief: Faith and Belief Inclusion as a Workplace Governance Issue (2026)
Context:
John Deere shareholders will vote on February 25, 2026, on a proposal asking the Board to assess the reputational, human capital, operational, and legal risks of failing to allow faith-based business resource groups (BRGs). Deere is urging shareholders to vote against the proposal.
Why this matters:
Faith and belief inclusion is emerging as a board-level workplace culture issue, distinct from broader political debates. Employees increasingly expect workplaces to accommodate religious identity fairly and consistently.
Key business considerations:
- — Talent and engagement: Religious employees who feel excluded may disengage or leave.
- — Culture and trust: Belonging includes faith and belief, not only other visible identities.
- — Risk management: Clear policies and manager training reduce the risk of favoritism, coercion, or conflict.
- — Governance trend: Shareholder proposals on faith inclusion are now appearing at major public companies.
Recommended action:
Companies should proactively benchmark workplace practices on faith and belief inclusion rather than react under external pressure.
Faith-Friendly Workplace REDI Index opportunity:
The Faith-Friendly Workplace REDI Index, used by many Fortune 500 companies, provides a structured benchmarking tool to evaluate organizational readiness, identify gaps, and demonstrate measurable progress.
The 2026 Faith-Friendly Workplace REDI Index survey is now open, and companies are invited to participate. https://religiousfreedomandbusiness.org/redi
Bottom line:
Faith is returning to the workplace as a strategic human capital issue. Boards that lead with clarity will be better positioned to strengthen culture, retain talent, and reduce risk.
Brian Grim, Ph.D.
President, Religious Freedom & Business Foundation
January 29, 2026
Contact: contact@religiousfreedomandbusiness.org
For a more detailed Governance / Human Capital Committee Brief (2026), download: