How to create an inclusive workplace during Ramadan?

Shabana Muneer, Stronger Together ExCo member and Director at Walker Morris shares her views on how to support Muslim colleagues during Ramadan

How to create an inclusive workplace during Ramadan?

In the holy month of Ramadan, fasting Muslims refrain from food and drink, including water, during daylight hours. Shabana Muneer, a Director at Walker Morris and Stronger Together ExCo member, gives practical advice on how to support our Muslim colleagues during this period.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar. It is considered one of the most spiritual times of the year and signifies the time during which the first part of the Muslim holy book, the Qur’an, was revealed. Ramadan recognises one of the 5 pillars of Islam (the 5 tenets that uphold Islamic belief in practice) that practicing Muslims observe: fasting. 

It is important to be aware that not all Muslims will be in a position to fast and there are various exemptions from the requirement to fast, including ill health, pregnancy and breastfeeding, long distance travel etc. It is also important to be aware that some Muslims may choose not to fast for other reasons; this is a personal matter for them and not something they should be asked to explain to colleagues. 

Individuals who are not fasting are still able to take part in observing Ramadan spiritually, through prayer, charity and community connection.

Why do Muslims observe fasting during Ramadan?

The requirement for able Muslims to fast during Ramadan comes from the Qur’an, in which Muslims are told to fast to become more conscious of God’s presence. Fasting is not just the act of refraining from food and drink (including water), it is a deeply personal act of worship through which Muslims strive for spiritual cleansing.  It is a time to cultivate good character by exercising self discipline, and refraining from words and actions which may harm oneself or others. Muslims will aim to embed positive values into their daily lives during Ramadan with the intention of carrying these forward for the rest of the year, such as patience, generosity, charity  and forgiveness. Going without food and water also enables Muslims to better empathise with those in the world whose daily lives are blighted by poverty and famine, and to develop an appreciation of the blessings they enjoy. 

Throughout the world, millions of Muslims will observe fasting during the month of Ramadan, and this will impact many Muslims at work, including our Stronger Together network colleagues. 

When is Ramadan this year?

This year, Ramadan is predicted to start on the evening of 10th or 11th March 2024. The date is predicted, and subject to change, because the Islamic calendar is lunar and the start of each new month is signified by the sighting of the new crescent moon. Ramadan lasts between 29-30 days and this year is predicted to end on Monday 8th or Tuesday 9th of April. 

Fasting Muslims will refrain from food and water from sunrise to sunset throughout this month. During the longer Spring/Summer days this could range from 12-15 hours.

How to support Muslims at work during Ramadan

People will be observing Ramadan in various ways; understanding this is also an important part of how you’re supporting your Muslim colleagues at work during this time. Here are some ways for supporting your Muslim colleagues during Ramadan:

• Be flexible with working arrangements and time off for Ramadan

Options for flexible working and time off are key to supporting Muslims at work. Fasting will likely have an impact on energy levels as Muslims awaken for a pre-dawn meal, and many will then take part in longer nights of private or communal worship. Colleagues can be supported with more frequent rest breaks and more inclusive meeting hours.

This could include earlier starts and earlier finishes, forgoing long lunch breaks for an earlier finish and having meetings during more core working hours.

• Be conscious of Iftar time

Fasting Muslims will break their fast with a meal at sunset known as “Iftar”. Traditionally this will involve a gathering with family, friends or members of the community. Due to the fact that Ramadan will fall during the shorter Spring days this year, at the start of the month this will mean Iftar will take place at around 6 pm (moving to around 8 pm after the clocks have changed). Efforts should therefore be made to ensure that those fasting can take time away from work to take part in the Iftar meal. 

• Understand competing priorities 

In addition to the 5 obligatory daily prayers, Ramadan encourages additional voluntary or recommended acts of worship, including attending extended communal evening prayers at the Mosque each night and reading, studying and reflecting on the Qur’an. The last 10 days of Ramadan have heightened significance and Muslim colleagues may be more diligent about observing acts of worship during this time than they otherwise would be, meaning they wish to adhere to routine / contractual work hours rather than putting in lots of extra hours during this time. Managers having an appreciation of these temporary shifting priorities will ensure that Muslims colleagues feel able to observe Ramadan in a way which they most benefit from. 

• Discuss with your colleagues how to help them

Every Muslim will have a different relationship and approach to their faith. Be mindful not to assume your colleagues' needs; cultivate meaningful connections with your team and provide opportunities where they can openly and safely discuss their needs with you.

• Be prepared for annual leave requests for Eid celebrations

Eid is the festival that marks the end of Ramadan. Many Muslim colleagues will want to take annual leave to celebrate Eid with their family and friends, and requests for leave should be accommodated wherever possible.

• Raise Ramadan awareness at work

Members of your team may be wondering how to wish their colleagues a happy Ramadan. Incorporate awareness raising into your plans for supporting Muslims at work, so that your entire team can recognise the significance of the month and learn more about it. If Muslims team members feel comfortable doing so, give them an opportunity to do a short presentation to the wider team on what Ramadan means to them. Some Stronger Together firms are organising days where people have the opportunity to fast for the day in support of their Muslim colleagues. If your firm is organising any Iftar (breaking of the fast)  dinners at the end of the working day, go along to these to demonstrate your support if you are an ally colleague or non-practising Muslim. 

Awareness is a building block for an inclusive workplace. Raising awareness of what Ramadan is and making space for its importance for Muslim colleagues during this time is a great way to build inclusive teams. If you are an ally colleague, be proactive and read up on the purpose of Ramadan, Iftars and Eid.

There are many options that can be explored to raise awareness and celebrate diversity and inclusion during Ramadan. Please share what your individual firms are doing to celebrate; we’d love to profile Ramadan activities taking place in the Leeds city region.