Yes, one prayer room can work well for employees of different faiths, provided it is neutrally designed, flexibly usable, and fairly scheduled. This article explains how to design a multi-faith prayer room in the office that works for everyone, without favoring (or excluding) any one faith group.
What exactly is a multifaith prayer space?
A multifaith (or interfaith) prayer space is a room designed not for a single specific faith but usable by employees with diverse religious backgrounds (such as Muslims, Christians, Hindus, or Buddhists) at different times of the day or week. Instead of creating multiple smaller, faith-specific rooms (which is often simply not feasible in most offices in terms of square meters), you design one space as neutrally and flexibly as possible.
This aligns with what we previously described in our article on prayer rooms in the office: a prayer room does not need to be exclusively for one group, and multifunctional use is often the most practical and cost-efficient approach.
Is a (multifaith) prayer space mandatory in the office?
As we elaborate in our article on whether a prayer room is mandatory, there is no explicit legal provision in the Netherlands or Belgium that requires employers to provide a prayer room. However, the General Equality Treatment Act (AWGB) does apply: an employer may not systematically refuse prayer breaks if this is reasonably possible, and must make "reasonable adjustments" where appropriate. The College for Human Rights has confirmed in multiple rulings that a neutral rule hindering religious practice (even if introduced with good intentions) can indirectly lead to discrimination based on religion; in one well-known ruling, this specifically concerned an employee who wanted a short break for Friday prayers.
When creating a multifaith space, the practical implication is that you apply this principle equally to all faiths: what you allow Muslim employees in terms of prayer times and space, you consistently apply to employees of other faiths who make a similar request.
Practical Design Requirements for a Multifaith Space
Area. The same guidelines apply as for a regular prayer room: plan for at least 4 to 6 m² for use by one to two people simultaneously, and 10 to 15 m² if you want space for a small group during peak times (e.g., Friday prayers).
Fully neutral, symbol-free design. This is the key difference from a prayer space for one faith group: avoid religious symbols, texts, or colors that explicitly appeal to one faith tradition. A plain floor surface, neutral wall finishes, and dimmable, calming lighting work for nearly any form of prayer, meditation, or reflection.
Flexible orientation. For Muslim employees, the qibla direction (direction of Mecca) is relevant. A fixed, visible religious marker for this purpose is less suitable for a multifaith space. Instead, consider a discreet, movable aid (such as a compass app or a subtle floor marking that does not dominate) so the space remains suitable for other users as well.
Facility for ablution, if feasible. For the ritual washing (wudu) before Islamic prayer, access to running water is practical. This does not necessarily need to be within the prayer space itself: a nearby toilet or pantry with a sink often suffices, as long as the route is convenient.
Acoustic insulation. Like a regular quiet room, the space works best when acoustically insulated from office noise, meetings, or a canteen. See our article on the difference between a prayer room and quiet room for weighing both options.
Scheduling and accessibility. Since different faith groups may want to use the space at different, sometimes overlapping times, a simple scheduling system is no luxury. A room reservation system (the same type of tool many offices already use for meeting rooms) prevents multiple groups from claiming the space simultaneously, without anyone having to apologize for who was there ‘first’.
How Do You Prevent One Religious Group from Feeling Favored?
- Involve employees in advance. Informally ask, via a short poll or the works council, which faith groups in your organization actually need the space and what is practically important to them.
- Document and communicate clear house rules. Who may use the space, when, for how long, and how is booking handled? Transparency prevents disputes afterward.
- Evaluate periodically. Usage changes: what works for two faith groups on day one may require adjustments after a year of growth (e.g., a second, smaller space).
- Avoid exclusive naming. Name the space functionally (e.g., ‘quiet space’, ‘reflection room’) instead of referencing one faith tradition, even if usage in practice is predominantly by one group.
Frequently asked questions
Does a multifaith prayer space need to face Mecca?
Not necessarily fixed or visible. Since the space must remain usable for multiple faiths, a discreet or movable tool for qibla direction (such as a compass app) works better than a permanent, visible marker.
How many m² does a multi-faith prayer room require?
Plan for at least 4 to 6 m² for individual use or simultaneous use by two people, and 10 to 15 m² if a small group will use the space at peak times.
Is a washing facility mandatory for a prayer room?
Legally not required, but practically desirable for Muslim employees due to ritual washing before prayer. A nearby toilet or pantry with a sink is usually sufficient.
Can the space also be used for other purposes, such as a quiet room?
Yes, multifunctional use (prayer, meditation, quiet time, or a short break) is actually one of the most practical ways to maximize the value of the space, as long as scheduling is clearly organized.
Sources
- Dutch College for Human Rights, judgments database: https://oordelen.mensenrechten.nl/
- Efficiency, "Employer cannot refuse mosque visits" (summary of ruling by the College for Human Rights): https://www.rendement.nl/discriminatie/nieuws/werkgever-mag-moskeebezoek-niet-weigeren.html
- Offyce, "Prayer Room at Work: Is This Mandatory for Employers?": https://offyce.nl/gebedsruimte-verplicht/
- Offyce, “Office Prayer Space: Costs, Space, and Practical Design”: https://offyce.nl/gebedsruimte-op-kantoor-kosten-eisen-inrichting/
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Last updated on 27 October 2026 by Stijn Belmans
