Launching “Philly at Work—Looking Out for Each Other”

The Office of Human Resources is proud to debut a new video series designed to foster a more supportive, inclusive, and compassionate workforce.

At some point in our careers, we all encounter moments when we need extra support at work, whether that means navigating the workplace as a person with disabilities, coping with the loss of a loved one, or managing personal challenges that don't clock out at the end of the day. These experiences are part of being human, yet they are often accompanied by uncertainty, silence, or stigma in professional settings. Just as often, we find ourselves on the other side of the equation. We notice a colleague who seems overwhelmed, withdrawn, or struggling, and we want to help, but we may not know how to approach the situation in a way that feels respectful, appropriate, and effective.

This new video series, developed by Communications Intern Anfisa Blyumina, seeks to shift that narrative. A recent graduate of Temple University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Sociology, Blyumina now draws on both their academic background and professional experience to enhance awareness and understanding of resources available to municipal employees.

By pulling back the curtain on complex, nuanced, and sometimes uncomfortable topics, we are creating space for honest conversations and greater understanding. The series tackles questions that aren't always easy to ask, addressing common misconceptions while offering practical guidance on how to show up for one another at work.

Through shared insights, real-world scenarios, and expert perspectives, this initiative encourages employees to build empathy, confidence, and awareness. Our goal is simple but powerful: to help each of us become better coworkers and to ensure that everyone feels supported, valued, and seen; especially during life's more challenging moments.

Together, we can create a workplace culture where compassion is not the exception, but the standard.

Supporting Colleagues Who Practice Religion at Work

One of the hardest gaps to bridge in the workplace can be between people who practice a faith and those who do not. Asking questions can feel risky; will it come across as intrusive or disrespectful? At the same time, correcting a colleague who has made an incorrect assumption about your religious practices can feel uncomfortable or even exhausting.

To help make this divide feel more navigable, we sat down with Bishop Wilfred Speakes, Director of the Office of Faith-Based and Interfaith Affairs, for the first interview in our Philly at Work-Looking Out for Each Other series. Bishop Speakes shared thoughtful guidance on how his office and the City of Philadelphia foster respect, curiosity, and care in interfaith workplaces. Speakes stated, "In the City of Philadelphia, we have some 6,700 religious institutions… and one thing we have found out is that we have more in common than we have that divides us."

To provide a clearer example, we were also joined by Imam Quaiser Abdullah, Director of the Mayor's Office of Muslim Engagement, who outlined the practices and significance of Ramadan to the Muslim community. His insights emphasize that meaningful support doesn't require deep religious knowledge, just intentional empathy and awareness.

Imam Abdullah highlighted the following key points:

• This February, Ramadan began on the 18th and will conclude with on March 20th with the Eid al-Fitr, commemorating the end of the fasting month

• For Muslims, Ramadan is a time of spiritual refinement and to be more conscious of their creator, for many this may include:

• Abstaining from food, drink, and intimacy with their spouses from dawn till sunset

• Avoiding gossip or negative speech about others

• Spending more time reading the Quran

• Praying more often, either in a Mosque, at home, or at work

• Dressing differently

Abdullah emphasized that "Muslims are not monolithic," the practices you may observe during Ramadan can vary widely from one Muslim to another. Spiritual refinement is a deeply personal journey, and individuals choose different ways to pursue it. It's best not to assume you'll be aware of or privy to all the practices someone engages in throughout the fasting month.

Both Speakes and Abdullah emphasized their shared commitment to expanding resources for employees of faith within the City of Philadelphia and the broader community. Their work focuses on building bridges across diverse faith traditions in pursuit of One Philly, A United City. As Speakes noted when discussing the division of the Philadelphia faith communities, "we are a little bit more together than separate."

Ready to join a workforce that supports you through life's challenges?

The City of Philadelphia is committed to supporting its employees with empathy, care, and a people-first approach. Alongside competitive salaries and a wide range of comprehensive benefits, we offer the resources and support you need to thrive, both at work and beyond it.

If you've been waiting for a sign to explore a career in municipal service, this is it. Discover our wide range of employment opportunities at work.phila.gov today!