How to support employees observing Ramadan
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is a holy month of fasting, introspection and prayer for Muslims, the followers of Islam. It is celebrated as the month during which Muhammad received the initial revelations of the Quran, the holy book for Muslims.
Ramadan begins on Saturday, 2nd of April and will last until Sunday, 1st of May. During this month, Muslims are obligated to fast everyday from dawn until sunset. Fasting requires abstinence from food and drink.
Fasting is important during Ramadan as it allows Muslims to devote themselves to their faith and come closer to Allah, or God. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which form the basis of how Muslims live their lives.
During the day Muslims are encouraged to engage in charity and devote extra time and attention to spiritual activities, such as praying and reading the Quran. The fast is broken with an evening meal, called iftar, once the sun goes down.
How to support employees observing Ramadan
During the month of Ramadan, many Muslims will fast each day between sunrise and sunset, and perform additional prayers and other religious duties. Employers should be aware of the potential effects on employees of not eating or drinking during the day, combined with a change to sleep patterns, and should consider taking steps to support them.
Employees shouldn’t assume that all Muslim employees will be observing in the same way, or that those who are fasting will want the employer to make special arrangements for them. Instead, employers could encourage employees to discuss any impact that they think fasting could have on their work, and any measures that could be helpful.
Depending on the nature of the work environment, steps that employers could take to support employees observing Ramadan are:
designate a space for prayer in the workplace (an empty room, somewhere quiet)
Establish when Ramadan is and discuss any needs with the individual.
Offer flexible hours where possible. The staff member may need to leave earlier or be unavailable to work overnight.
Offer alternative break spaces where food is not served.
Offer more regular breaks.
Of course, not all employers will be able to accommodate requests for flexibility in working hours or for annual leave and they are not obliged to agree to such requests from employees observing Ramadan, however for staff wellbeing and an ongoing positive relationship, it is a good idea to try and accommodate where you can.
Further Insight
For insight into the life of somebody who observes Ramadan, and has done for 32 years, you can visit “Ramadan Blog: A day in the life”.