The Do’s and Don’ts of Ramadan at Work

Wide Impact
Dr. Salam Slim Saad
By Dr. Salam Slim Saad

The holy month of Ramadan is a time for to concentrate on spiritual life and focus on self-improvement. At Wide Impact, we counsel and guide our customers on all matters related to culture, diversity, and its challenges. We have conducted tailored sessions, webinars and training courses on religious tolerance including Ramadan events.

If you’d like to know more about our services, please contact us at info@wide-impact.com

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims all over the world. During this month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and offer extra prayers to Allah. 

In this article, we’ll look at how employers can create an environment that supports Muslim employees during Ramadan, so they can benefit from the spiritual and physical elements of the month without compromising on their performance or productivity. We’ll also explore some practical tips on how companies can make sure that their employees’ needs are taken into account when engaging with them throughout the fasting period. 

In this blog post, we will discuss the DO”S and DON’TS when it comes to accommodating Ramadan in the workplace.  Read on to find out!

The Do’s of Ramadan at Work

1- Be Mindful Of Timings .

When arranging meetings during Ramadan, be mindful of the timings and aim to arrange them earlier rather than later in the day. This will allow for more productive meetings as people are more likely to be fresh and alert in the morning. If possible, try to avoid scheduling meetings during the afternoon as this is when people are most likely to be tired and less able to focus.

2- Be Mindful Of Timings .

When arranging meetings during Ramadan, be mindful of the timings and aim to arrange them earlier rather than later in the day. This will allow for more productive meetings as people are more likely to be fresh and alert in the morning. If possible, try to avoid scheduling meetings during the afternoon as this is when people are most likely to be tired and less able to focus.

3- Eat, Drink, And Smoke In Designated Areas.

During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims are required to fast from dawn to dusk. This can present some challenges for Muslim employees who work in non-Muslim majority workplaces. In order to accommodate the needs of fasting employees, employers should provide designated areas for eating, drinking and smoking during breaks. These areas should be separate from areas where non-fasting employees eat and drink, to avoid any temptation or peer pressure.

4- Cover Up And Dress Appropriately.

When observing Ramadan in the workplace, it is important to dress appropriately and cover up. This means avoiding revealing clothing. Many businesses have a dress code that employees must adhere to, so be sure to check with your HR department or manager before making any changes to your wardrobe. If you are unsure of what is appropriate, err on the side of caution and choose more conservative items.

5- Be Compassionate And Help When Needed

Here are some things you can do to help your colleagues who are fasting:

  • Offer them regular breaks throughout the day to rest and rehydrate.
  • If possible, adjust their work hours so that they can leave early to break their fast.
  • Encourage them to take regular breaks for prayer.
  • Be understanding if they need to take time off for Eid celebrations at the end of Ramadan.

6- Give presents to coworkers, customers, and business associates.

Sending gifts to colleagues, clients, and partners during Ramadan can be a great way to show your appreciation for their business. There are many third-party companies that offer Ramadan gift baskets that are safe for both the recipient and the giver. These baskets usually include items such as dates, nuts, and fruits that are traditional during this holy month. Some companies also offer non-food items such as journals and prayer mats.

The Don’ts of Ramadan at Work

1- Don’t Eat Or Drink Infront Of Fasting Colleagues.

It is important to be respectful of your fasting colleagues during Ramadan. Here are some things to avoid doing:

  • Eating or drinking in front of them. If you must eat or drink, do so in a private area where they cannot see you.
  • Chewing gum or smoking. This is especially disrespectful as it is equivalent to eating and drinking in front of them.
  • Discussing food or drinks around them. 

2- Avoid meetings in the late afternoon 
If you are a manager or supervisor, there are a few things you should avoid doing during Ramadan. One of those things is scheduling meetings late in the afternoon or so close to Iftar.
This can be very difficult for Muslims because they may not have eaten anything all day and they may be feeling weak and tired. It can also be hard to concentrate when you’re hungry. So try to avoid scheduling important meetings during this time if possible.

3- Don’t speaking loudly, use foul language or Play loud music

During Ramadan, it is important to be considerate of those who are fasting by refraining from behaviors that may cause offense. This includes playing loud music, speaking loudly, or using bad language. Remember that many people are trying to focus on their prayers and spiritual reflections during this time, and disruptions can be very upsetting. Be respectful and mindful of others, and everyone can enjoy a peaceful and blessed Ramadan.

4- Don’t Wear unsuitable or inappropriate clothing.

Inappropriate clothing during Ramadan in the workplace can include anything that is revealing, tight, or otherwise considered sexualized. This includes but is not limited to: short skirts, tight pants, low-cut tops, and anything else that would show off too much skin. It’s important to be respectful of others during this holy month, and to dress in a way that won’t cause distraction or offence.

5- Refrain from kiss or embrace in public.

It is generally considered inappropriate to show affection in public, especially during Ramadan. This includes kissing or hugging your partner or friends of the opposite sex. Demonstrative acts of affection with members of the opposite sex will cause offence during Ramadan and should be avoided.

In Conclusion, It is important to be respectful of your co-workers during Ramadan, and there are a few specific things you should avoid doing. First, don’t try to force anyone to fast with you. It is a personal decision, and some people may have medical conditions that prevent them from fasting. Second, don’t complain about being hungry or thirsty. It is part of the challenge of Ramadan, and your co-workers will likely be sympathetic. Finally, don’t use the month as an excuse to slack off at work. If anything, Ramadan is a time to rededicate yourself to your job and set an example for your colleagues.

When it comes to observing Ramadan in the workplace, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to make the experience as positive and productive as possible. First and foremost, be respectful of your coworkers who are fasting. This includes refraining from eating or drinking in front of them, and being understanding if they need to take a break for prayer or rest. Secondly, take advantage of the opportunity to bond with your colleagues by learning about their culture and traditions. And finally, remember that Ramadan is a time for reflection and spiritual growth – so don’t let work get in the way of your own personal observance.

This article was written by By Dr. Salam Slim Saad; the Training Manager of Wide Impact and a Visiting Professor. An executive Consultant, speaker & trainer professional with over 25 years of experience, Dr. Saad has been speaking, writing and facilitating workshops about professionalism, leadership, soft skills and corporate civility for over a decade.

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