Ramadan is a pillar of Islam that’s obligatory for every Muslim — except for a few. It’s one of the laid down commandments of Allah that all Muslims must fast during Ramadan — according to the Islamic calendar. Muslim professionals aren’t exempted from this act of worship. Fasting from dawn to dusk can be challenging, especially when you still have to work. If you live in a non-Muslim majority country, then you need to understand how to navigate Ramadan in the workplace.
Muslim professionals in Muslim-majority countries have flexible work schedules during Ramadan. But this may not be the same for Muslims in other countries. So, let’s see how you can balance Ramadan and work together.
How To Navigate Ramadan in the Workplace
For Employers
- Plan ahead
Fasting is challenging, and your team may get tired quickly. So, you must understand their lethargy and accommodate it accordingly. You can meet with your Muslim employees to evaluate how fasting affects them. Planning like this will help you put backup plans in place in case anyone can’t give the desired results.
- Division of labor
Ramadan in the workplace is a challenging feat, but it’s a challenge you can overcome. As an employer, you must ensure a fair division of labor that will help Muslim employees balance their work perfectly with Ramadan. Ramadan is more than fasting, as it includes other acts of worship. So, divide the tasks properly and ensure the Muslims have time for other things.
- Flexible working period
Another way to support your Muslim employees during Ramadan is to be flexible with the working period and locations. Create flexible working hours for your employees to help them deliver well while fasting. You can also incorporate remote working periods as a form of support.
- Understand that everyone is different.
Some Muslims might choose not to fast for one reason or another. So, take advantage of it if you notice someone stops fasting midway or isn’t fasting.
- Scrap the lunch break.
As an employer, you can reschedule the lunch break for Muslim employees by allowing them to leave an hour earlier. With this, they can avoid looking at non-Muslims while eating in the lunch area. It’ll also help to get home early to prepare for Iftar.
For Employees
- Get a leave
Since Ramadan is fast approaching, you should fix your leave for this period. If you find it hard to combine arduous tasks with fasting, it’ll be better to go on leave for Ramadan.
- Request to go remote.
Even though your employer might not want to allow all fasting Muslims to go fully remote, you can try it if it’s tough to be on-site during this period. Going remote during Ramadan will help you conserve your strength better and give you more time to worship.
- Talk to your employer.
Non-Muslim employers might need to be made aware of Ramadan or its significance. Hence, it’s your duty as a Muslim to call his attention to this period. You can let them understand the importance of Ramadan and how obligatory it is.
- Eat right
Eating right is one of the best ways to conserve your strength to work better. Indulge in foods full of fiber that can keep you filled and less tired. You can incorporate more fluid to reduce thirst and help you perform better.
- Show dedication
Work is essential to your life as it helps you make a living. So, navigating Ramadan in the workplace will involve showing the same dedication you’d show your work when you’re not fasting. It can help your employer have a more detailed view of how you handle challenges.
Bottom line
Ramadan in the workplace can be hectic. However, it can also be easy with the right attitude to work and a great employer. As an employer, you must take care of your employees for the company’s success. So, dedicating time to understanding Ramadan and its importance to your Muslim employees will go a long way.
Muslim employees should also check out the tips above for a stress-free Ramadan.