1 00:00:01,020 --> 00:00:05,280 Here are four ways to respect Ramadan in the workplace. 2 00:00:05,280 --> 00:00:08,340 Assume you have coworkers who are fasting. 3 00:00:08,340 --> 00:00:09,960 Fasting is a practice meant to be 4 00:00:09,960 --> 00:00:12,000 integrated with everyday life. 5 00:00:12,000 --> 00:00:14,310 This makes fasting less apparent to others, 6 00:00:14,310 --> 00:00:17,010 but it's probably still present at your workplace. 7 00:00:17,010 --> 00:00:21,900 24% of the global population is Muslim and as many as 93% 8 00:00:21,900 --> 00:00:23,850 of Muslims fast during Ramadan. 9 00:00:23,850 --> 00:00:25,950 No matter where you live or work, 10 00:00:25,950 --> 00:00:30,120 it's safe to assume you have coworkers observing Ramadan. 11 00:00:30,120 --> 00:00:32,910 Understand the schedule of Ramadan. 12 00:00:32,910 --> 00:00:35,460 Ramadan is often an extraordinarily 13 00:00:35,460 --> 00:00:38,580 busy and exhausting month for those who practice it. 14 00:00:38,580 --> 00:00:40,150 It's the holiest month of the year. 15 00:00:40,150 --> 00:00:42,420 So many double down on spiritual activities 16 00:00:42,420 --> 00:00:46,860 like charity, volunteerism, prayer and religious study. 17 00:00:46,860 --> 00:00:48,630 The typical day starts before dawn 18 00:00:48,630 --> 00:00:51,870 to eat and pray, followed by a regular day of school 19 00:00:51,870 --> 00:00:54,690 or work while fasting. After, many head 20 00:00:54,690 --> 00:00:56,880 to gatherings to break the fast, 21 00:00:56,880 --> 00:00:59,880 also known as iftar. A single household 22 00:00:59,880 --> 00:01:02,370 maybe cooking and hosting several major feasts 23 00:01:02,370 --> 00:01:05,790 over the course of the month. After breaking the fast, 24 00:01:05,790 --> 00:01:08,550 many head to the mosque for additional prayer. 25 00:01:08,550 --> 00:01:10,380 In the last 10 nights of Ramadan, 26 00:01:10,380 --> 00:01:12,210 the holiest time of the year, 27 00:01:12,210 --> 00:01:15,360 this schedule will further intensify with late 28 00:01:15,360 --> 00:01:19,260 or all night prayer and study. 29 00:01:19,260 --> 00:01:22,140 Be conscientious of physical activity. 30 00:01:22,140 --> 00:01:23,640 Most employees who are Muslim will 31 00:01:23,640 --> 00:01:27,240 continue to work as normal despite the hectic schedule. 32 00:01:27,240 --> 00:01:29,790 If your team's work involves physical exertion, 33 00:01:29,790 --> 00:01:33,000 consider finding proactive accommodations for employees 34 00:01:33,000 --> 00:01:35,910 who may be suffering, sleep deprivation, low blood sugar 35 00:01:35,910 --> 00:01:38,180 and exhaustion as part of their religious practice. 36 00:01:40,960 --> 00:01:44,770 Promote a Ramadan friendly schedule. 37 00:01:44,770 --> 00:01:47,410 Asking team members to arrive early or stay 38 00:01:47,410 --> 00:01:50,410 late has a disproportionate impact on Muslim employees. 39 00:01:50,410 --> 00:01:54,260 During Ramadan, when scheduling meetings and sharing work, 40 00:01:54,260 --> 00:01:57,550 try to honor the standard workday during Ramadan. 41 00:01:57,550 --> 00:01:59,890 Ask team members when they prefer to meet. 42 00:01:59,890 --> 00:02:01,930 For many muslims, the early afternoons 43 00:02:01,930 --> 00:02:03,610 are ideal during the month of Ramadan. 44 00:02:06,520 --> 00:02:09,460 Avoid scheduling activities that center around food 45 00:02:09,460 --> 00:02:11,710 like brown bag meetings or potlucks, 46 00:02:11,710 --> 00:02:16,160 that would challenge and ostracize those who fast. 47 00:02:16,160 --> 00:02:18,370 Ramadan Mubarak!