Here are four ways to respect Ramadan in the workplace.
Assume you have coworkers who are fasting.
Fasting is a practice meant to be
integrated with everyday life.
This makes fasting less apparent to others,
but it's probably still present at your workplace.
24% of the global population is Muslim and as many as 93%
of Muslims fast during Ramadan.
No matter where you live or work,
it's safe to assume you have coworkers observing Ramadan.
Understand the schedule of Ramadan.
Ramadan is often an extraordinarily
busy and exhausting month for those who practice it.
It's the holiest month of the year.
So many double down on spiritual activities
like charity, volunteerism, prayer and religious study.
The typical day starts before dawn
to eat and pray, followed by a regular day of school
or work while fasting. After, many head
to gatherings to break the fast,
also known as iftar. A single household
maybe cooking and hosting several major feasts
over the course of the month. After breaking the fast,
many head to the mosque for additional prayer.
In the last 10 nights of Ramadan,
the holiest time of the year,
this schedule will further intensify with late
or all night prayer and study.
Be conscientious of physical activity.
Most employees who are Muslim will
continue to work as normal despite the hectic schedule.
If your team's work involves physical exertion,
consider finding proactive accommodations for employees
who may be suffering, sleep deprivation, low blood sugar
and exhaustion as part of their religious practice.
Promote a Ramadan friendly schedule.
Asking team members to arrive early or stay
late has a disproportionate impact on Muslim employees.
During Ramadan, when scheduling meetings and sharing work,
try to honor the standard workday during Ramadan.
Ask team members when they prefer to meet.
For many muslims, the early afternoons
are ideal during the month of Ramadan.
Avoid scheduling activities that center around food
like brown bag meetings or potlucks,
that would challenge and ostracize those who fast.
Ramadan Mubarak!