For millions of Muslims around the world, the holy month of Ramadan will start on the evening of 12 April 2021.
Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and marks the month that the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammed. During this month, for a period of 29-30 days, Muslims will fast from before sunrise to sunset. In places like the United Kingdom, this will be for 16 to 17 hours each day. Ramadan is also a time of reflection with a greater focus on prayer, giving to charity and spending time doing acts of goodness. The end of the month is marked with the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr.
During Ramadan energy levels, concentration, irritability, and productivity of fasting employees are likely to be affected. Employers should be aware of this from both a performance and health and safety perspective as less favourable treatment of employees who choose to observe Ramadan may be discriminatory on the grounds of religion or belief.
It is advisable that employers take active steps to support their employees during a very spiritually important time, with practical considerations including:
- implementing temporary flexible working arrangements during Ramadan to allow employees to change their working hours or rest times or their place of work (if employees are still attending work during the COVID-19 pandemic);
- accommodating requests for rest breaks for prayers throughout the day (this may actually be easier if staff are continuing to work from home);
- creating a dedicated area for employees to use for daily prayers, while still adhering to social distancing guidance (if employees are still attending work during the COVID-19 pandemic);
- scheduling training or meetings earlier in the day when employees have the most energy;
- accommodating requests for annual leave as best as possible especially towards the end of Ramadan for employees celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr; and
- raising awareness of Ramadan amongst the workforce by, for example, posting information in internal communications that are sent to staff, to promote tolerance and understanding.
It is also sensible for employees to inform their employer of the fact that they are observing Ramadan so that many of the above steps can be taken.
COVID-19 means that, like 2020, Ramadan will be very different this year. Muslims won’t be able to congregate in places of worship, arrange social gatherings with family and friends, or take part in community events, in the way they usually would. Employers should, therefore, be alive to what may be a very difficult period for Muslims and provide additional support should they need it.
We want to show our support during these challenging times and, on behalf of Brabners, wish you a very Happy Ramadan!
