Guide To Ramadan in the Workplace
Ramadan Mubarak! 🌙
From MiRE to you and your families, we wish you a peaceful and productive month. May Allah accept all your efforts and make it easy for you, Ameen!
For many, observing Ramadan in the workplace has become the norm, whether working in the office full-time or navigating hybrid work arrangements. However, as workplace cultures evolve and new generations join the workforce, it remains crucial to find support and strategies to maximise productivity during this holy month.
This guide is designed to help those balancing work commitments with Ramadan, as well as those working in organisations that may lack inclusive policies. Feel free to share it with colleagues who may benefit!
Awareness
A key first step is identifying whether there is a lack of awareness about Ramadan within your organisation. Your employer and colleagues may not fully understand the significance of Ramadan or how to support you.
How to Raise Awareness
Communicate with your employer: Without making them aware, they won’t know how to support you. Here’s a simple email template:
Email Template to Inform Your Manager About Ramadan
Subject: Observing Ramadan at Work
Hi [Manager],
Hope you're doing well! As the Islamic month of Ramadan commences/ed on [DATE], I will be fasting from sunrise to sunset. While I remain fully committed to my work responsibilities, I anticipate that my energy levels may fluctuate throughout the day.
I'd love to keep you posted on any adjustments that may be needed in terms of prioritising tasks, shifting work hours, or making temporary meeting changes.
Please let me know if you have any questions or would like to learn more.
Thank you for your consideration and support!
Best, [Your Name]
Engage HR or DEI teams: Find out if your organisation has any planned support for Muslim employees during Ramadan. If not, how can they incorporate it?
Reach out to Muslim colleagues: You may be able to coordinate support through staff networks or internal communications.
Send a company-wide email or post an internal message to educate colleagues and start the conversation around Ramadan awareness.
Flexible Working
Many workplaces offer flexible working arrangements, which can be particularly beneficial during Ramadan.
How to Request Flexible Working
Understand your company’s flexible working policy so you can make a request aligned with existing policies.
Use 1-to-1 meetings to discuss your request with your manager. You may wish to send a written request in advance.
Be clear and realistic about your needs. Explain why Ramadan requires adjustments and how you will manage your workload.
Follow up with a written summary of your request to ensure there is a record of the discussion.
Flexible Working Options
Compressed hours: Working longer hours Monday to Thursday to take Friday off for Jummah prayers.
Adjusted start and finish times: For example, working 8 AM - 4 PM instead of 9 AM - 5 PM.
Shorter, more frequent breaks: Swapping a full lunch break for smaller rest periods.
Remote working: Reducing office visits to avoid long commutes.
Annual leave: Taking more leave throughout Ramadan, such as the last 10 days or a couple of days per week.
Support at Work
Beyond flexible working, there are other ways to seek support from your employer and colleagues.
Ways to Seek Support
Prayer Space: Ensure your employer has provided a space for prayer and inform colleagues about prayer times.
Productivity Planning: Let your team know about potential changes in your energy levels and suggest scheduling key meetings in the morning.
Social Considerations: Ask colleagues to be mindful when scheduling food-related activities or politely excuse yourself from them.
Follow-Up Email Template for Additional Support
Subject: Ramadan Workplace Support
Hi [Manager],
As you may be aware, the Islamic month of Ramadan has now begun. I am following up on my previous email to discuss possible accommodations that will help me optimise my work performance during this time.
[Insert specific requests such as flexible working, prayer space, break adjustments, or meeting schedules.]
Please let me know if you have any questions, and I’d be happy to discuss further.
Thank you for your support!
Best, [Your Name]
Eid Leave Requests
Taking time off for Eid-al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, can sometimes be challenging due to the lunar calendar.
How to Request Time Off for Eid
Since the exact date of Eid depends on moon sighting, you may not be able to confirm your leave until closer to the time.
Here’s a useful email template:
Eid Leave Request Email Template
Subject: Request for Annual Leave – Eid
Hi [Manager],
Hope you're doing well! As the Islamic month of Ramadan ends, Muslims celebrate Eid-al-Fitr, one of two major religious holidays.
I would like to book this day off as annual leave tentatively, but I won’t be able to confirm the exact date until closer to the time. As Islamic months follow the lunar calendar, Eid depends on a physical moon sighting, which may vary.
I will inform you as soon as possible and will arrange handover or cover if required.
Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you for your support!
Best, [Your Name]
Final Thoughts
We hope this guide helps you navigate Ramadan at work and advocate for the support you need. Creating inclusive workplaces benefits everyone, and by raising awareness, you help foster a more equitable work environment.
Your job is important, but don’t let it become a barrier to making the most of Ramadan. 🤲
PROPHET MUHAMMAD (SAW) SAID:
"He who fasts Ramadan, having faith and hoping for reward (from Allah), then his past sins are forgiven."
(Bukhari)
🌙 Ramadan Mubarak! 🌙
