Simple ways to support your employees observing

Being a supportive employer means recognising important moments in your employees’ lives and offering meaningful support. One such time is Ramadan, a sacred month observed by Muslims worldwide, which can impact work routines due to fasting and changes in daily schedules.

Employers often want to be supportive but may feel uncertain about the best approach. The key is to foster an environment of understanding and respect. The fact that you are reading this already reflects your commitment to inclusivity—here’s how you can take that support a step further.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, marking the time when the Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. During this period, most able-bodied Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. It is also a time of spiritual reflection, increased prayer, and acts of charity.

As the Islamic calendar follows lunar cycles, the dates for Ramadan shift yearly. It concludes with Eid al-Fitr, a major religious celebration.

Why Do Muslims Fast During Ramadan?

Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, symbolising devotion, self-discipline, and empathy for those in need. It fosters spiritual growth and encourages charitable giving, with many Muslims engaging in fundraising and acts of generosity throughout the month.

For employers, showing support—whether through flexibility or small accommodations—demonstrates inclusivity and respect for employees’ religious practices.

Ways to Support Your Employees During Ramadan

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to support, as individuals observe Ramadan in different ways. The key is to take a thoughtful, inclusive, and respectful approach rather than making assumptions.

1. Offer flexible working hours

Fasting employees may experience fluctuating energy levels throughout the day. Offering adjusted work hours, such as starting and finishing earlier, can help them manage their productivity better.

Best practices:

Allow earlier start and finish times
Keep meetings within core hours to prevent late-afternoon fatigue
Provide autonomy for employees to adjust schedules based on their needs

2. Provide reasonable workplace adjustments

During Ramadan, employees perform multiple daily prayers, some of which fall during working hours. A simple yet impactful way to show support is by providing a quiet space for prayer.

Best practices:

Designate a meeting room as a prayer space
Allow employees to forego lunch breaks in exchange for finishing work earlier
Avoid scheduling food-heavy meetings during fasting hours

3. Be mindful of workplace events

Ramadan is a time of reflection and spiritual discipline. While social events are part of workplace culture, team lunches and happy hours may not be suitable for fasting employees.

Best practices:

Avoid scheduling work socials centred around food or alcohol
If possible, postpone major team lunches or celebrations until after Ramadan so all employees can participate
Encourage a culture of awareness without singling anyone out

4. Accommodate annual leave requests

Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, is determined by lunar sighting, meaning employees may need last-minute time off requests.

Best practices:

Be flexible with short-notice leave requests
Understand that the last 10 days of Ramadan are particularly significant, with some employees seeking time off for increased religious observance
Plan ahead to balance business needs with accommodation requests

5. Foster open communication

The most important step? Ask your employees what they need. Every individual observes Ramadan differently, so assumptions can do more harm than good.

Best practices:

Create an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing accommodations
Check in privately rather than making assumptions in a group setting
Show empathy and understanding—some employees may struggle with fatigue, while others may not require any changes at all

Supporting employees during Ramadan is not just about policies—it’s about cultivating a culture of respect. A workplace that embraces inclusivity ensures all employees, regardless of faith, feel valued and understood.

By implementing these simple yet thoughtful adjustments, you help create an environment where your team members can thrive professionally while honouring their religious commitments.