How employers can support Muslim employees during Ramadan

Supporting Muslim employees during Ramadan isn’t just about awareness; it’s about creating a genuinely inclusive and understanding workplace. In this blog, we’ll explain what Ramadan is, why it’s important, and how employers can provide meaningful support through flexible working, cultural awareness, and thoughtful adjustments that help every employee feel respected and valued.

This blog includes:

• A clear explanation of what Ramadan is and why it holds significance for Muslim employees
• Practical ways employers can support their teams during Ramadan through flexibility and understanding
• How to make workplace adjustments that promote inclusion and respect during fasting periods
• Insights on creating a culture of awareness and empathy for religious observances
• Examples of inclusive practices that strengthen employee wellbeing and belonging

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and it is considered one of the most important months for Muslims worldwide. This year, Ramadan will begin on the evening of February 28, 2025, and end on March 30, 2025. During this month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, which can often be physically and mentally challenging.

Ramadan, however, is not only about fasting; it’s also a time for spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and an opportunity to become closer to God. Fasting Muslims also engage in prayer, charitable giving, nightly prayers and other acts of worship during this month.

Why is Ramadan important?

Ramadan is important to Muslims for several reasons. Here are just a few of them:

• A time for spiritual reflection - Ramadan provides Muslims with an opportunity to reflect on their lives and their relationship with God. Fasting during the day encourages self-discipline and self-control, while the increased focus on prayer and worship helps to deepen one's spirituality.
  
• A time for increased charity - Ramadan emphasises the importance of giving to those in need. Muslims are encouraged to give generously to charity during this month, which helps to promote social solidarity and alleviate suffering.
  
• A time for the community - Ramadan is a time for Muslims to come together as a community. People often break their fast together in the evening, and the nightly prayers are performed in congregations at mosques. This sense of community helps to foster a feeling of belonging and connection among Muslims.
  
• A time for forgiveness - Muslims believe that Ramadan is a time to seek forgiveness for their sins and make a fresh start. This emphasis on repentance and forgiveness is an important aspect of Ramadan.
  
• A time for gratitude - Muslims have an increased sense of gratitude during this holy month; abstaining from food and drink can help to increase thankfulness during this month and moving forward. 
  
• A time for discipline - Fasting during Ramadan requires self-discipline and self-control. By abstaining from food, drink, and other physical pleasures during the day, Muslims develop greater self-awareness and learn to control their desires. This can have a positive impact on other areas of their lives as well.

What can employers do to support employees during Ramadan?

Employers can take several steps to support employees who are observing Ramadan. Here are a few examples:

Be aware of the dates

Ramadan is based on the lunar calendar, which means that the dates can vary from year to year. Employers should be aware of when Ramadan is taking place and plan accordingly.

Be flexible with schedules

Fasting during Ramadan can be physically and mentally challenging, so employers should be flexible with work schedules. This could include adjusting work hours, allowing for breaks during the day, or offering the option to work from home if you don’t already offer this. 

Provide a quiet space for prayer

Muslims are required to pray five times a day, and this is especially important during Ramadan. Employers could provide a quiet space where employees can pray and perform their religious obligations. Companies like Trainline, Vattenfall, Microsoft, BT Business and Virgin Media 02 are leading the way by having faith room available for employees. You can discover more companies that offer this benefit here.

Be respectful of dietary restrictions

Muslims who are observing Ramadan will abstain from food and drink during daylight hours. Employers should be respectful of this and avoid scheduling meetings or events during meal times.

Educate other employees

Employers can help to create a more inclusive workplace by educating other employees about Ramadan and its significance. This could include sharing information about the customs and practices associated with Ramadan or incorporating it into training on religious diversity and inclusion.

Flexible working during ramadan

Flexible working can be highly beneficial during Ramadan for those observing the holy month, helping them balance work responsibilities with religious commitments such as fasting, prayers, and spiritual reflection. For many Muslim employees, managing energy levels while fasting can be more challenging in a traditional office setting compared to working from home, where they have greater control over their environment.

By offering flexible working arrangements such as adjusted hours, remote work, or extended breaks, employers can support their Muslim employees in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This helps with well-being and productivity while fostering a more inclusive and supportive workplace, ultimately boosting job satisfaction and employee retention.

By taking these steps, employers can help to create a more supportive and inclusive workplace for employees who are observing Ramadan. This can improve morale, increase productivity, and foster a sense of belonging among all employees.

How BT Group supports employees during Ramadan 

We spoke to employees at BT Group to learn more about their experiences of working during Ramadan. Below, Sarah shares her thoughts, and you can watch the short video to hear from Maria about her experiences.

"I did not change the management of my workload very much during Ramadan. I would start a little bit later than usual and would take frequent breaks to make sure I was not getting tired and could refresh my head. My colleagues were very understanding of me observing Ramadan so were conscious in terms of the workload they put onto me."