What role should religion play at work?

I've had business owner clients over the years who were overtly religious in the running of their businesses. They prayed before all meetings and other key company events.  They included explicit religious references in their mission, vision and values statements.

It can work. If it's blatant enough, new hires are very clear what they're signing up for. There is little awkwardness of surprise. 

In most business environments that prefer a diversity of religious and not religious perspectives, religion and politics might not add value to everyone's sense of belonging and shared purpose.