Ramadan At Work: How To Support Muslim Employees
Want to better support Muslim colleagues and employees who are fasting during Ramadan?
To mark the start of the holy month, guest poster Sara J shares her own experiences of inclusion in the workplace while celebrating Ramadan.
As a Muslim employee that has worked during Ramadan, my personal experiences have been quite good as my employers were accommodating, but I have witnessed first-hand the difficulty my peers have faced during the holy month. Due to a lack of knowledge and often empathy as well, fatigue during fasting is considered being ‘lazy’, and I have often heard that ‘you live in the West, you need to adapt’. These are comments that stem from ignorance and a lack of understanding, and so I am passionate about creating a more inclusive workplace culture during this holy month. I have seen first-hand the positive impact of a supportive and understanding work environment on Muslim employees, and I am committed to helping others create this kind of culture in their own workplaces through innovative and data-driven approaches.
Statistics
In 2022, it was reported that Muslims made up approximately 6.5% of the UK's population. As the number of Muslim employees in the workplace continues to grow, it is essential for organizations and individuals to work together to create a supportive environment during Ramadan and beyond.
Recent studies have shown that inclusive workplaces have higher levels of employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall performance. According to a 2020 McKinsey report, companies in the top quartile for ethnic and cultural diversity on executive teams were 36% more likely to have above-average profitability.
Additionally, a Boston Consulting Group study found that companies with more diverse management teams have 19% higher revenue due to innovation. Such data-driven insights emphasize the importance of fostering inclusivity, not only during Ramadan but throughout the year.
Organizational Training
Learning & Development professionals play a crucial role in fostering understanding and empathy among employees. They can help by developing Ramadan-specific training, creating resources, fostering interfaith dialogue, incorporating inclusivity in existing training, and continuously evaluating and refining their programs based on data-driven insights and evidence-based approaches.
Metrics such as employee satisfaction, productivity, and retention rates can be used to assess the effectiveness of these initiatives. A study by the Association for Talent Development (ATD) highlighted that companies with comprehensive L&D programs have a 218% higher income per employee than those without. Furthermore, organizations that invest in their employees' development have a 24% higher profit margin compared to those that don't. Alongside the human importance, these statistics emphasize the business case for L&D professionals in creating a more inclusive and empathetic work environment for all employees, including those observing Ramadan.
Individuals
In addition to organizational efforts, individual employees play a vital role in fostering a supportive environment for their Muslim colleagues during Ramadan. Here are some actions that individual employees can take to contribute to a more inclusive workplace:
1. Educate yourself: Learn about Ramadan and its significance for Muslim colleagues. Understanding the customs and practices will help you empathize and better support them during this period.
2. Be mindful of your language and actions: Avoid making insensitive remarks or jokes related to fasting or Ramadan. Be considerate when planning social events or team activities, ensuring they are inclusive and do not exclude fasting colleagues.
3. Offer support: If you notice a Muslim colleague struggling or needing assistance, offer to help or ask what you can do to support them during this time.
4. Foster open communication: Encourage open dialogue about religious and cultural practices within your team. Share your experiences and be open to learning about the experiences of others.
5. Be flexible: Adapt to the needs of your Muslim colleagues by being understanding and accommodating when it comes to work schedules, meetings, and deadlines during Ramadan.
6. Champion diversity and inclusion: Advocate for diversity and inclusion initiatives within your organization and encourage others to participate in creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all employees.
Employers should strive to foster an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity, empathy, and understanding. This means creating an open-door policy where employees feel comfortable sharing their needs and concerns, promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding, and celebrating diversity in all its forms. By taking these steps, individual employees can contribute to a more inclusive and supportive environment for their Muslim colleagues during Ramadan and beyond. This collaborative effort combined with the organization's commitment to fostering diversity, empathy, and understanding, will result in a more cohesive and highperforming workforce that truly values and embraces diversity.
Looking for better inclusion in your workplace? Find out more about our workshop, Inclusion Is For Everyone, or else contact us to see what else we can do to help you.
