Inclusive Workplace Practices for Ramadan

This year, March 11 is the first day of Ramadan, the month of fasting that represents the holiest time in the Islamic calendar, which ends with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr on April 9. How inclusive is your workplace for Muslim employees who are observing the fast this month??

For those living in places where Islam is a widely practiced religion, the annual observance of the Ramadan fast is a community experience. Family and friends gather to break their fast with a shared iftar meal, and communities draw together for prayer and almsgiving. However, in places with smaller Muslim populations, there is often less public awareness of the Ramadan fast, and some may feel lonely or isolated as a result.?

One simple way to help your employees and colleagues feel seen is through a public acknowledgement of the month (e.g. Here at Company XX, we want to acknowledge those observing Ramadan, recognizing that it is a community experience that we should all be aware of this month…)

Here are few other things your workplace can do to be more inclusive of those observing Ramadan this month:?

1) Make space for flex hours where feasible.?

During Ramadan, those who are fasting typically wake before dawn to eat a large breakfast,?and will often gather with friends or family for late evening meals. Where feasible, allowing employees to flex their hours -- to start and end their workday earlier, for example, or split their shifts around a midday rest -- may allow employees to be more rested and productive during the Ramadan fast.?

2) Do not inquire into individual fasting practices.?

While there are certain fasting practices that are held in common, not everyone will choose to fast in the same way, and some things may prevent an individual from being able to fast as they would like. If a person is not fasting or modifying their fast during Ramadan, it may be for personal health reasons that are not appropriate to discuss at work, so avoid commentary or inquiry.??

3)? Be intentional about events featuring food.?

The Ramadan fast is typically quite rigorous, featuring a fast from all food and drink -- even water -- from sunrise to sunset. If you are planning an event for the workplace that involves food during this time, consider ways to make it more inclusive of those who are fasting. You may wish to separate a meal from the rest of the program ("join us at noon for an optional lunch; the meeting will start at 12:30"), or offer takeout containers for those who might want to take the meal home to eat later. Never deliberately exclude those who you think might be fasting; give people space to practice the fast in the way that works for them.?

4) Allow time and space for personal prayer.?

Ramadan is a time when some may choose to increase their prayer practice. Providing time and a quiet room in the workplace appropriate for private prayer, reflection, or meditation is a good inclusion practice for all employees, and may be particularly appreciated by Muslim employees during Ramadan. An ideal space for Muslim prayer will have easy access to running water, a clean (preferably carpeted) floor with plenty of open space, and privacy.?

5) Provide resources for employee well-being.?

Ramadan is customarily a time when people gather with family and friends. For those experiencing loss or separation, therefore, Ramadan can be a time of amplified grief. Some may be experiencing worry, fear or isolation due to heightened global political tensions. There are many reasons why a person may not express these concerns in the workplace, even when their well-being is negatively impacted. If your workplace offers resources such as an Employee Assistance Program or Employee Resource Groups, ensure that all employees feel encouraged and supported in accessing these resources.?

Ramadan is a good opportunity to bring awareness to the religious diversity in your workplace, and to remind people that religious practice can play a very important role in people’s daily lives, including in professional settings. This understanding can help to build healthy, safe work environments that allow religious diversity, along with all types of diversity, to flourish.

Looking for more resources to create a more inclusive environment in your workplace for all employees? Exponential Talent’s team is here to support you. Reach out to us today to inquire about the ways we can help you tap into the power of today’s diverse workforce: [email protected] ?