‍Why Workplace Support During Ramadan Matters

Supporting Muslim employees during Ramadan isn’t about giving special treatment to a certain group of people. It’s about understanding and acknowledging different experiences and making sure everyone can bring their full selves to work.

‍

For those observing Ramadan, the month might involve:

• Going without food and drink from sunrise to sunset (yes, that includes water!)
• Reciting the Quran more frequently as it was revealed and gifted to humankind in the month of Ramadan.
• Adjusting sleep schedules to accommodate early-morning meals (Suhoor) and prayers (Fajr), as well as late-night prayers (Taraweeh).
• Balancing work commitments alongside increased spiritual and community obligations.

‍

Understanding and accommodating these changes to make Muslim employees feel respected and supported, isn’t just kind—it’s smart. Research by Oxford University's Saïd Business School found that happy employees are at least 13% more productive at work.

‍

5 Practical Ways to Support Employees During Ramadan

‍

1. Offer Flexibility (But Don’t Assume!)

Fasting all day while keeping up with work can be challenging, especially as energy levels fluctuate. The best way to support employees? Be flexible where you can.

‍

• Consider flexible working hours—maybe an earlier start and finish time—so employees can maintain energy levels more comfortably and rest before the evening meal (Iftar).
• Offer remote work or adjusted break times to help manage energy levels.
• Don’t guess what employees need; have open conversations. A quick, private chat like, “Hey, is there anything specific we could do to support you during Ramadan?” can mean a lot.
• Engaging in dialogue can make employees feel respected and seen - Asking “Hey, how do you practice Ramadan?” can be beneficial as those observing have different ways of engaging with the holy month - while some honour cultural practices, some may focus on practices that centre the self. 

‍

2. Thoughtfully Adjust Food and Social Events

Food-related events during Ramadan can feel tricky. Nobody expects a workplace to avoid eating altogether, but careful scheduling goes a long way:

‍

• Avoid scheduling lunch meetings or team meals during Ramadan. If you’re planning a social gathering, check in with Muslim colleagues to see if an alternative date works.
• If your workplace has a kitchen or shared food space, consider being mindful of strong food smells, especially in the late afternoon when hunger kicks in.
• A great way to show solidarity? Organise a company-wide iftar event where everyone can break their fast together—it’s a fantastic team-building opportunity.

‍

3. Respect Prayer Times and Spiritual Needs

Muslim employees observing Ramadan may pray more frequently than usual, including during working hours. Being mindful of this can help create a more supportive environment.

‍

• Offering a quiet place to pray or reflect during Ramadan can be a deeply meaningful gesture. Even a small, clean, private space set aside for prayer can make a significant difference.
• Avoid scheduling key meetings around prayer times.
• Foster a culture where employees feel comfortable stepping away for prayer without guilt or awkwardness.

‍

4. Be Mindful of Energy Levels and Workload

Not everyone experiences fasting the same way—some people power through, while others might struggle in the afternoons. Either way, it’s good to check in and offer support where needed.

‍

• If possible, schedule intensive work and brainstorming sessions in the morning when energy levels might be higher.
• Be understanding if someone needs a moment to recharge—fasting affects people differently.
• Brief managers to check in discreetly with fasting employees about workload and how to prioritise their comfort during the month.

‍

5. Normalise Conversations About Ramadan

Awareness helps prevent misunderstandings. Ramadan shouldn’t be treated as a sensitive topic—it’s a great opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate diversity.

‍

• A simple “Ramadan Mubarak” (Happy Ramadan!) can go a long way in making Muslim colleagues feel acknowledged.
• A brief team email or a quick message in the team’s group chat explaining Ramadan’s significance can help non-Muslim employees become more aware. For example, the 30 days of Ramadan are honoured in 3 parts, each 10 day stage (Ashra) represents unique importance (Mercy, Forgiveness and Seeking Refuge) 
• It’s important to be sensitive - fasting employees aren’t solely responsible to educate the wider team on Ramadan, and especially not while they are fasting. HR can spearhead this, along with the support of other colleagues. 
• Offer DEI training that includes religious inclusivity, so teams understand different observances and how to support colleagues.

‍

Keeping Inclusion Alive Year-Round

Ramadan offers a wonderful opportunity to start meaningful conversations about cultural and religious diversity in your workplace. But genuine inclusion isn’t seasonal—it’s about what happens every day. By using Ramadan as a stepping stone, you can encourage ongoing dialogue and foster deeper connections between colleagues, no matter their background. 

‍

Consider regular team check-ins about different cultural practices, encourage storytelling sessions, or embed cultural awareness into your organisation’s core DEI training. This way, inclusion becomes an integral part of your workplace culture—not just during Ramadan, but always.

‍

Discover more with our training on “Being An Active Ally”

‍