Supporting your Muslim Employees/Colleagues through Ramadan

Across the UK, thousands of Muslims will be fasting during daytimes for the next four weeks to mark Ramadan or Ramazan – with many doing it alongside their job. Supporting colleagues during Ramadan is part of building a workplace where everyone is respected and valued.

This year in the UK, the fasting day is long. The morning meal will be before dawn, around 3am. And people won’t break their fast until about 9pm. That’s 18 hours without food or drink (yes - no water too).

The combination of long hours and hot days can be challenging for many Muslims at work. So we wanted to share some small practical steps colleagues and employers can take to support their Muslim work mates and friends.

Fasting should not interfere with everyday tasks at work. But during Ramadan, fasting co-workers may be tired or lacking energy during the day. Its advised that usually the first ten days are the hardest.

If you have employees/colleagues who will be fasting, ask them if changing some aspects of work can make it easier for them. Ramadan isn’t only about not eating or drinking during daylight. It usually means rising early and eating late with family and friends, and may mean taking part in charitable activities or late night prayers.

Some employees may ask to change their working day or shift times, or to take a shorter lunch break. Or they may want to make sure they finish on time to be able to break their fast with their family or friends. Being flexible may help people work when they are most productive. During the month, try to avoid holding compulsory team lunches or evening meetings, and don't expect your Muslim colleagues to attend corporate lunches or dinners while fasting. It is fine for you to drink and eat in front of your colleagues. There’s no need to apologise, just try to remember not to offer food/drinks.

Some workers might have additional religious commitments during Ramadan. It may be especially important to perform prayers on time through the week, or to take extra time on Friday afternoons to attend congregational prayers. If there is a mosque close by, employees may choose to go there during the day. Employers can help by making sure there is a quiet space in the workplace for prayers, and allowing short breaks.

The last ten days of Ramadan are considered especially holy. Some Muslim workers might decide to take time off, or ask to change their working patterns to attend all-night prayers.

Eid ul Fitr marks the end of the fasting period. There is often some uncertainty about which day Eid will fall, because it depends on moon sightings. Be prepared for your employees/colleagues not always to know the exact date, which may have an impact on when they can work and how much notice they can give you. Eid can last up to three days.

Information gained through TUC Work Smart - Thankyou