BMZ Consulting Group’s Post

As billions of Muslims globally will embark on the sacred month of Ramadan soon, I wanted to share 10 friendly reminders to both myself and you, especially in the professional environment: 1) Try to be considerate towards colleagues who are fasting by avoiding early morning or late afternoon meetings. An email or call could be a more thoughtful approach. 2) If possible, offer flexible working hours to support altered prayer and meal times, and encourage taking breaks even if they're not for lunch. 3) When greeting Muslim colleagues, a verbal greeting is always safe and respectful, especially as physical contact with the opposite gender may not be customary. 4) A simple 'Ramadan Kareem' or 'Ramadan Mubarak' can go a long way in making someone feel acknowledged. And if you're thinking of a small gift, dates are a thoughtful choice for breaking the fast. 5) For any outdoor field missions, try to minimize the time in the sun to avoid additional fatigue for those fasting. 6) Interested in showing solidarity? Consider fasting for a day or join a colleague for Iftar, the meal to break the fast, to experience this important aspect of Ramadan. 7) Curiosity about Ramadan and fasting is welcome; engaging in open conversations can enrich workplace diversity and inclusion. Beyond the office: 8) Encouraging or respecting someone's commitment to prayer, fasting, or charitable acts during this time can be a meaningful gesture of support. 9) Use this time to uplift others, possibly even with a quiet prayer for their well-being. 10) Remember, Ramadan is more than abstaining from food; it's a period of self-improvement, growth, and emerging as a better version of oneself. Let's embrace this month with understanding, respect, and support for our Muslim colleagues and friends. Happy Ramadan to those observing! 🌙✨ #Ramadan #DiversityAndInclusion #WorkplaceCulture #share Note: This year, Ramadan is expected to begin in the evening on Sunday, March 10, 2024 and end on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. The Islamic Calendar follows a lunar cycle, and while these are the calculated expected dates of Ramadan, they can differ from place to place based on moon sightings or lack thereof.

I wish all my friends, colleagues, business partners and connections a very blessed month of Ramadan, I echoed the nice following message from my friend Mohamed El Daly. Today marks the beginning of the sacred month of #Ramadan, observed during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims worldwide fast for 30 days from dawn until sunset, abstaining from eating and drinking. This period is dedicated to spiritual enrichment and reflection, with added prayers and introspection aimed at purifying the mind, body, and soul and fostering a deeper connection with God. To support your Muslim colleagues and employees during this time, consider the following actions: 1. Extend warm wishes by saying “Ramadan Mubarak” or “Ramadan Kareem,” conveying your hopes for their blessed month. This small gesture can make a significant impact. 2. Practice respectfulness. There's no need to apologize for eating or drinking in their presence, as those fasting anticipate your usual routines. 3. Avoid assumptions. Not every Muslim fasts during Ramadan due to health issues or specific religious exemptions. Rather than inquiring why someone isn't fasting, offer your support. 4. Propose flexible working schedules and breaks. Since energy levels might vary, accommodating adjustments in work hours or break times can be greatly appreciated. 5. Foster awareness and education among your team about the importance of Ramadan. This effort aids in building an inclusive and respectful workplace culture. 6. Facilitate time off post-Ramadan for the celebration of ‘Eid’. 7. Ask your Muslim colleagues if you're curious about Ramadan and its practices. And if you're wondering, “Not even water?” the answer is, indeed, not even water. 🙂 I wish you and your loved ones a joyous, healthy, and prosperous Ramadan. Ramadan Kareem! This nice photo is from our house decorations.

As we welcome the holy month of Ramadan today, it is a time of spiritual growth, self-discipline, and renewed devotion, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding. During this month, our energy levels vary throughout the day due to the fact that we abstain from eating/ drinking from sunrise to sunset, ( includes lack of caffeine for a coffee addict like myself ) so as the day goes by, our energy levels start to go down. Therefore, sharing some tips that might come in handy to ensure more welcoming workplace for those of your teams who are observing the holy month of Ramadan: 💡 Accommodations: consider accommodating flexible hours, offering prayer spaces, and being mindful of scheduling important meetings during fasting times. 💡 Inclusivity: Ramadan is a festive time for Muslims, so consider inclusive workplace practices and traditions that acknowledge and celebrate the month. 💡 Workload: it's important to consider the mental and physical strain of fasting when delegating tasks. Lastly, it's essential to remember and offer our support and solidarity to those observing this sacred time in war-torn regions. For many individuals and families in conflict zones, Ramadan brings a unique set of challenges, as they strive to uphold their spiritual practices amidst adversity. In these areas, the simple act of observing Ramadan can be a testament to the resilience and unwavering faith of the people. The call to prayer echoes amidst the backdrop of war, and families come together to break their fast, finding solace and strength in their shared traditions and beliefs. May this month bring comfort, hope, and peace to all those enduring hardships, and may the spirit of Ramadan inspire compassion and empathy in all of us. Ramadan Mubarak to all, and may the light of this sacred time shine upon those in need. 🙏🏽 ☪ #diversityequityinclusion #muslimcommunity #inclusiveworkplace #ceasefireingazanow #stopthegenocide

🌙✨ Ramadan at VIADA: Embracing Diversity and Unity ✨🌙 As we enter the blessed month of Ramadan, it's a perfect time for us to come together in celebration and understanding. 🌟 Ramadan is a sacred month observed by Muslims worldwide, marked by fasting from sunrise to sunset. This period is a time for spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and increased acts of kindness. For those not familiar, Ramadan typically lasts for 29 or 30 days, depending on the lunar calendar. It is a time of heightened spirituality, community, and gratitude for the blessings in our lives. Here are 5 simple ways employees to show support and make your workplace more inclusive during Ramadan: 1️⃣ Acknowledge and Learn: Take a moment to understand the significance of Ramadan. Learn about the customs and traditions associated with this special month. Knowledge builds bridges, fostering a more inclusive and respectful environment. 2️⃣ Flexible Scheduling: Recognize the fasting hours and consider offering flexibility in work schedules. Adjusting meeting times or allowing for breaks can make a meaningful difference in supporting our colleagues observing Ramadan. 3️⃣ Mindful Communication: Be aware of your words and actions. Avoid scheduling team events or lunches during fasting hours, and respect dietary restrictions when organizing shared meals. Thoughtful communication helps create an inclusive atmosphere. 4️⃣ Create a Welcoming Space: Designate a quiet area in the workplace for prayer or reflection. This small accommodation shows our commitment to providing an environment where everyone feels comfortable practicing their faith. 5️⃣ Express Warm Wishes: Extend heartfelt wishes to our Muslim colleagues for a blessed Ramadan. A simple "Ramadan Mubarak" or "Happy Ramadan" goes a long way in fostering a sense of belonging and appreciation. Let's make this Ramadan a time of unity, compassion, and shared celebration at VIADA. Together, we can create a workplace where every member feels supported and valued. Wishing you all a joyous and meaningful Ramadan! 🌙✨

The blessed month of Ramadan is fast approaching with less than a week to go!! Next week you will most likely hear the phrase Ramadan Mubarak or Ramadan Kareem - both of which equate to happy Ramadan! A month celebrated and cherished by many Muslims globally, it is a chance for Muslims to reflect on their positive and negative traits, A chance to build good habits, and a chance to strengthen their religious beliefs. As it is my first Ramadan whilst working, I decided to practice my presentation skills by preparing a small and brief slideshow for my team. To help them understand what Ramadan entails, what I will be going through, and what they can do to help! The best thing you can do as a Muslim colleague or if you work with Muslim colleagues is to communicate. Discuss working times to accommodate the change in sleeping patterns, prayer times, and small frequent breaks to ensure you are taking care of your physical health (especially with no lunch break). If you don’t celebrate Ramadan, try to give it a go! Keep a fast along side your Muslim colleagues and experience what it feels like to fast (it’s not as hard as it seems, I promise 😉) And lastly, no, not even water…

Ramadan Kareem to all 🌙 We thank two of our colleagues, Aadam Patel, and Aafiyah Mullan, for sharing what Ramadan means to them as the holy month begins. As part of our ‘Belonging at Bellrock’ series we celebrate religious and national observances that are important to our colleagues and that align with our strategy for diversity, equity, and inclusion. As part of this series, we’ve consulted with colleagues on how we can accommodate colleagues in the workplace during Ramadan. What is Ramadan?   Ramadan is a sacred month in the Islamic calendar, marked by fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. It is a time when Muslims around the world observe a dawn-to-dusk fast, refraining from food, drink, and worldly desires. Beyond abstaining from physical needs. Ramadan is a period of spiritual purification, self-discipline, and deepening one's connection with God. It is an opportunity for believers to strengthen their faith, seek forgiveness, and engage in acts of charity and compassion. Ramadan is a time of immense blessings and rewards, fostering unity, empathy, and gratitude within the Muslim community. When is Ramadan? The first day of fasting for Ramadan 2024 is Monday 11th March. Ramadan typically lasts for 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the moon, which marks the beginning and end of the month. The lunar calendar followed by Muslims is shorter than the Gregorian calendar, causing Ramadan to occur approximately 10 to 12 days earlier each year. How can we accommodate colleagues?   - Having an allocated room for staff who need to pray within working hours in the month of Ramadan and outside of it too. - Allowing flexibility in start and finish times to the working day. - Consider flexibility to the hybrid working model to allow for more remote working. - Avoid scheduling meetings around breaking fast time to allow colleagues to break their fast and eat. - Be prepared to receive, and where possible accept, holiday requests for certain periods of Ramadan and for Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan. #Ramadan #Bellrockbelonging

Ramadan is ending, what’s next? 🌙✨ Your Muslim clients, colleagues, and employees will be celebrating the Muslim holiday called Eid! What is Eid? Eid (al-Fitr) is one of the two major Muslim holiday celebrations, where Muslims gather with friends, family, and community members. Eid al-Fitr (Arabic) translates to “festival of breaking the fast,” which is exactly as it sounds—it commemorates the end of the holy month of Ramadan. When is Eid? We are not sure, but we know it will be the day after the last day of Ramadan. This year, it will either fall on Tuesday, April 9th, or Wednesday, April 10th—depending on the moon sighting which will indicate if Ramadan is 29 or 30 days this year. For this reason, some might celebrate one day and others the second day. When will we know? As mentioned, we are all anticipating the announcement of the arrival of Eid depending on the moon sighting. Request? Your Muslim clients, colleagues, and employees will likely observe this holiday and request time off. Consider flexibility and understanding when they submit their time-off request as we are waiting to find out as well if it will be Tuesday, 4/9, or Wednesday, 4/10. Celebrate? You are welcome to join in celebrating even if you did not fast for Ramadan. Eid greeting? You can say “Eid Mubarak” meaning “Blessed Eid” or simply “Happy Eid.” Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating! #DiversityandInclusion #Ramadan #CulturalAwareness #Eid

"Ramadan Kareem! Wishing all my LinkedIn connections a blessed month of reflection, fasting, and spiritual growth. May this Ramadan bring you peace, joy, and prosperity. 🌙✨ #ramadankareem #ramadan2024 #RamadanKareem"

🌙 Embracing the Spirit of Ramadan: A Time for Reflection and Connection As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, I find myself reflecting on its significance. Ramadan is not just about fasting from dawn till dusk; it’s a time for spiritual growth, self-discipline, and compassion. 🙏 Here are some ideas for your LinkedIn post: Sharing Traditions and Celebrations: Let’s celebrate diversity! Share your personal or cultural Ramadan traditions. Whether it’s preparing special meals, decorating your home, or attending local events, let your followers in on the magic of this sacred month. Ramadan Food and Recipes: Food unites us all. Why not showcase your favorite Ramadan recipes? Post mouthwatering photos or short videos of your iftar meals. Who knows, your culinary creations might inspire others! Heartfelt Greetings: Extend warm wishes to your network. Use creative graphics and eye-catching visuals to wish everyone a blessed Ramadan. Let your sincerity shine through—after all, kindness knows no boundaries. Remember me in your Special's Prayer's. #ramadan2024

🌙✨ As the month of Ramadan begins, I find myself reflecting on the intersection of my professional life and my Muslim faith. Over the last few years, I've encountered both supportive and challenging environments while fasting and working. I've put together a couple ideas on how we can make this sacred month more inclusive for our Muslim colleagues and employees. For those unfamiliar, Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, community, and self-discipline, during which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. While the days can be physically demanding, they are also profoundly rewarding. Here are a few ways we can foster a more supportive environment during Ramadan: 🕰 Flexible Hours: Recognize the unique schedule adjustments Muslims make during Ramadan. Offering even a small window of flexibility in start times or the option for remote work can significantly alleviate the strain. 🍽 Food Considerations: Instead of food-centric team activities, provide alternatives or ensure there are options available for those fasting. A gesture as simple as setting aside to-go treats can make a big difference. 🌅 Iftaar Gatherings: Host iftaar (meal to break fast) to foster inclusivity, even if only a few team members observe Ramadan. Sharing a meal together strengthens bonds and promotes understanding. 📱 Acknowledgment and Support: Extend personal messages of "Ramadan Mubarak" on team communication channels, and reach out individually to offer support and inquire about specific needs. 💡 Open-mindedness: Take a moment to understand the significance of fasting before questioning its impact on work. Embracing diversity includes respecting religious practices and their importance to individuals. May this month be filled with peace and blessings for all who observe Ramadan. To my non-Muslim colleagues and managers, your efforts to accommodate and understand are deeply appreciated and do not go unnoticed. I hope this is helpful! Wishing everyone a month of ease, love, and growth. May Allah swt bring peace, safety, and happiness to all our fellow Muslims around the world. Ramadan Kareem! 🌙✨ #ramadan2024 #muslimprofessionals