How to be an inclusive employer this Ramadan
By Ikrah Shazad
In a recent conversation with a Senior Developer we were discussing his plans for the coming month, and he mentioned taking time off work during Ramadan to avoid burnout. April is a busy month for several religions with Ramadan, Easter and Passover all taking place simultaneously, so employers can expect their workforce to be taking annual leave in addition to the UK national bank holidays. Not everyone is able to take time off however, and as Ramadan lasts a month from Wednesday 22nd March, most Muslims will combine work with the change in habits this period brings. So, what can be done to prevent burnout at work during Ramadan, and what can employers and managers with a focus on diversity and inclusion do to support their teams at this time?
Ramadan is observed by Muslims worldwide for a month, when they fast from dawn to sunset. In reality, the period last for more like seven weeks including the preparations, the month itself, and Eid celebrations that mark the end of Ramadan. By comparison, Christmas runs for two weeks, with three weeks for Diwali and Chinese New Year.
For employees observing Ramadan this can be a challenging time as they may feel physically and mentally drained during the day, especially in the middle of the month. It is usual for the first ten days of Ramadan to be marked by enthusiasm and vigour and with families getting together for Iftar gatherings (to break the fast after dusk) it can be a busy time. The second ten-day period is traditionally quieter with more focus on the new routine and contemplation it brings. For the final ten days, many Muslims will spend more time in retreat at home or the mosque and focussing on the good intentions they set at the start of the fasting period. This can be a time for contributing to charity or spending time helping others and would be the most obvious time to take away from work. It is quite usual to feel fatigued in this time.
As an employer or manager, there are several things you can do to assist your Muslim team members during Ramadan to help them manage their productivity and wellbeing.
Be Flexible with Working Hours
Employees may prefer to start work earlier in the day or work later in the evening to accommodate their fasting schedule. Most Muslims who are observing Ramadan usually start their day at 4am, this involves closing their fast with a breakfast before sunrise and praying morning prayers.
As a manager, you can be flexible with their working hours to help them manage this. This could mean enabling working from home or adjusting their work hours to help them balance their commitments. Once Eid celebrations begin, Muslim colleagues will be spending time with their families so you can expect them to take a few days away from work for a celebratory time of sharing meals, giving gifts and socialising.
Provide a Quiet and Comfortable Space
Ramadan is a time of reflection and spirituality. As a manager, you can provide a quiet and comfortable space for your team to pray or meditate during the day. This could be a designated prayer room or a quiet space where they can take a break from work.
Be Mindful of Food Restrictions During Ramadan
Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. As a hiring manager, you can be mindful of food restrictions during this time, especially if you plan on providing food for your team. Most Muslims will not be offended by others eating around them, but they will appreciate a respectful office culture that inclusivity should deliver. Muslims break the fast with an Iftar; you could host an Iftar with your team but check with your Muslim colleagues first to see if they would recommend or appreciate this.
Show Empathy and Support
It’s important to show empathy and support for your employees during Ramadan. This could mean checking in with them regularly to see how they’re coping with fasting, acknowledging their efforts and dedication, and expressing gratitude for their hard work during this time.
It is so important that we build a work community where everyone is welcome and appreciated. At the heart of diversity and inclusion policies must be an awareness of diverse groups and how they might be affected at work by their cultural and religious practices. Building a more inclusive workplace will help individuals to thrive at work which in turn delivers greater business success, from which we all benefit.
Ikrah Shazad is a PHP recruitment specialist at Corecom Consulting.
Email: i.shazad@corecomconsulting.co.uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ikrah-shazad-3403181a8/
Corecom is well deserving of this award which places it in fine company with a small elite of other organisations that truly understand and engage the value of people. They place a high commitment on continually developing the business, demonstrated through the passion and enthusiasm of everyone from the MD to the team members. The innovation culture is evident throughout and employees have lots of ideas for successful change. They say that they are listened to and believe that Corecom is a great place to work, with very high levels of trust both upwards and down. People see that it has a great future and there are excellent levels of optimism throughout.
