Looking after your team during Ramadan

With March now upon us, Muslims around the world will be turning their attention to Ramadan and the traditions and practices that come with it. This brings fresh challenges for employees and employers with managers and their direct reports having to deal with fasting, holidays and other logistical matters during the period. Legal teams may also be working with agencies or consultants on a range of matters, and again, these individuals may be impacted by religious practices over the next few weeks. This article will hopefully provide some helpful context and information to allow everyone observing Ramadan to do so alongside their day-to-day lives.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is 1 of 5 pillars of Islam and the 9th Islamic month which Muslims believe is the month the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) over 1400 years ago. Ramadan is the holiest month of the year for Muslims. It is a spiritual time and involves fasting between dawn and sunset, fasting Muslims will refrain from food and water throughout this time. During the longer Spring/Summer days Muslims will fast for approximately 15-16 hours per day here in the UK. Before dawn, Muslims will eat a meal to prepare the body for a long day of fasting, this is called “Suhoor”. After sunset, Muslims will break their fast with a date and glass of water, followed by a meal, this is called “Iftar.”

Not all Muslims fast; those ill, menstruating, pregnant, breastfeeding, or traveling, are not expected to fast but they are just as valid in their expression of faith. They are still able to take part in observing Ramadan spiritually, through prayer, charity, and community connection.

Why do Muslims observe fasting during Ramadan?

Fasting encompasses more than just abstaining from food and drink, it is a profound spiritual cleanse and a means to empathize with those less fortunate. During Ramadan, individuals engage in introspection, honing patience, and prayer, quieting the mind to nurture the soul's essence. For many, Ramadan serves as an opportunity for heightened spiritual devotion, intensifying their connection to faith and increase in charity and good deeds. Conversely, some find it a period of renewed faith exploration. This global observance impacts work dynamics for millions of Muslims. 

When is Ramadan this year?

Ramadan is predicted to start on 10 March 2024. The date is predicted, and subject to change, because the Islamic calendar is lunar and follows the phases of the moon. New months begin with the first crescent of a new moon, and the day begins after sunset. This makes the Islamic calendar shorter than the Gregorian calendar by 10 to 11 days, so Islamic months travel throughout the seasons.

Ramadan lasts between 29-30 days and this year is predicted to end on 9 April 2024, again, depending on the first crescent of a new moon marking the end of Ramadan. 

How can you support colleagues during Ramadan?

Remember that different people will be celebrating Ramadan in various ways, understanding this is also an important part of how you’re supporting Muslims at work during this time.

Here are some ways for supporting Muslims at work during Ramadan:

1. Options for flexible working and time off are key to supporting Muslims at work: Fasting will have an impact on energy levels. Colleagues can be supported with more frequent rest breaks and more inclusive meeting hours. This could include earlier starts and earlier finishes, forgoing lunch breaks for an earlier finish and having meetings during more core working hours.
2. Discuss with your team how you can help them: Everyone will have a different relationship and approach to their faith. Cultivate meaningful connections with your team and provide opportunities where they can openly and safely discuss their needs with you. 
3. Prepare for Annual Leave requests for Eid celebrations: Understand that Muslims won’t know the exact date of Eid (as this depends on the sighting of the new moon). This means many people may need to request time off at relatively short notice and others may request a range of 2-3 days off to make sure they will be off work at the right time. Early discussions with your team will help them and reduce any challenges in your team.
4. Share well wishes with your colleagues: you can say “Ramadan Mubarak”, which means “Have a blessed Ramadan.”
   
   Thank you for taking the time to read this, if you have any questions or would like to know more, feel free to get in touch!