The time of Ramadan is nearly here for 2025. For this year, it should begin on the 28th of February (depending on when the new moon is first sighted) and last for the month of March, ending on the 30th, at which point Muslims worldwide will celebrate Eid.
To observe this celebration, Muslims must fast between sunrise and sunset; in the UK this year, that's between 9-10 hours a day (when Ramadan is later in the year, it can be significantly longer!). After sunset, the breaking meal, iftar, provides much-needed nutrients but can also be an emotional occasion celebrating spiritual reflection.
Ramadan offers more than just food restrictions or physical exhaustion; spiritually, it's a positive period within Islam. However, it can also be challenging for those who are fasting.
Below, we have created a list of ways to best support your employees and coworkers in observing Ramadan in the workplace.
1) Find out each year when Ramadan is approaching (it is not the same every year) and who in your team may observe this religious period. The Islamic faith is a welcoming religion that accepts people of all races and backgrounds. Don't make assumptions about who in your team may be observing Ramadan. Equally, some Muslims may be exempt from practising for various reasons, so try not to assume all Muslim colleagues will be fasting. Observing Ramadan isn't always noticeable, so make it easy for your team members to let you know that they are doing a fast by being open and approachable.
2) Make workplace adjustments where possible to provide a safe and quiet space for prayer where required. Communicate with staff to find out their expectations and be transparent about what is realistic regarding viable options.
3) Everyone in the workplace should be expected to be respectful of all religions, cultural differences, and backgrounds regardless of their identity. Ensure this is equally the case regarding Islam and Ramadan.
Essential awareness and education for those who work with Muslim colleagues about what Ramadan involves and how it might impact someone will help with respect and understanding. Consider encouraging your Muslim coworkers or employees to give a talk or presentation to staff about Ramadan to promote open discussions about the holy month and how the team can best support them.
4) If you are a manager, it would be advisable to organise an opportunity to discuss potential workplace adjustments and issues that might arise for team members observing Ramadan.
For example, flexitime provisions may help employees be more productive during their working hours if they can start earlier, work through lunch, or finish earlier as energy levels dip.
5) If your workforce or colleagues are working remotely across the globe, consider the time differences and how daily routines during Ramadan might impact meetings, deadlines, and performance. Organise meetings at appropriate times, e.g., not during Iftar.
6) In addition to the changes to daily routines, consider the impact fasting may have on staff or colleagues. People may understandably be more productive in the mornings (at least at the start of Ramadan as the body gets used to the changes), so scheduling meetings earlier rather than afternoons might help.
Fasting can affect people in different ways. Be mindful of those who may be quieter or more tired, but equally, do not assume that Ramadan always has an adverse effect. Many Muslims report feeling energised, and this holy period is mostly viewed as a positive experience.
7) Try not to act anxiously around those observing Ramadan. Colleagues who are fasting will not expect you to do the same; you do not need to be secretive about eating and drinking. However, be mindful and respectful that fasting can be challenging so constantly asking questions about food or offering food /drink is not helpful.
8) Be aware and try to accommodate annual leave requests as best as possible towards the end of Ramadan, as acts of worship may intensify and Eid approaches. Having annual leave discussions sooner rather than later will ensure there are fewer clashes and issues.
9) Finally, celebrate this period alongside your Muslim colleagues and staff and wish them a happy and generous Ramadan this year!
Ramadan Mubarak means Happy Ramadan or Ramadan Kareem is have a generous Ramadan.
Do you have any other best practice tips to add to the above to support staff and colleagues during Ramadan? Leave us a comment below, and we will add them to the article in preparation for next year.
Ramadan Mubarak from Consortia to all our Muslim candidates and clients this year in 2025!
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