Question:

Is one obligated to wear a Yarmulka (head covering) at work?

Note: We are only discussing the issue of wearing a yarmulka in the workplace. There are other issues that come up such as making a bracha or learning torah that we are not going to discuss.

Discussion:

Wearing a Yarmulka is a universally accepted custom. The source for this custom is based on the Gemara in Shabbos (156) that tells us “cover your head so that you will have the fear of Heaven”. The T”Z writes that in addition to the reason the Gemara brings, there is another reason we cover our heads. In his time the gentiles would remove their hats as soon as they entered their house or sat down. If we would do the same we would transgress the prohibition of “Following their Ways.” Based on this it would seem that it is not just a custom but something that is required.  

Wearing a yarmulka at work:

Rav Moshe writes in his Teshuvos (O.C. 4:2) that if a person will stand to lose his job (or won’t get hired) then he is not required to wear a yarmulka. However, one must still wear it when he makes a bracha or eats anything. A rav should be consulted if one is concerned a potential client will not feel comfortable if he wears a yarmulka. 

Wearing a yarmulka in court:

The Aruch Hashulchan writes that one may remove his yarmulka if a judge asks him to do so in the courtroom (2:10). However, one should try his utmost to convince the judge to permit a head covering (Melamed L’hoel 2:56). The following link is to an interesting article about wearing a yarmulka in court. www.jlaw.com/Commentary/yarmulke.html

Summary:

Although the main reason for wearing a yarmulka is based on custom there is the opinion of the T”Z which says that it is, in fact, an obligation. However, there is room for leniencies if it will cause a person to lose his job (or not get it in the first place). However, we must not downplay the significances of this custom that has been universally accepted.