Organisations with inclusive workplace policies see a 17% increase in team performance. Employees are more engaged, productive, and loyal to their employers when they feel supported. Whether you’re an HR professional or a team manager, you know that your employee’s work-life balance is important for their productivity. Ramadan is still ongoing, and for employees who observe it, fasting from dawn to dusk can take a toll on their energy levels, concentration, and overall well-being. As a manager or HR personnel, it’s important to show them your support and ensure that they are their best selves.
But how do you do that? This guide provides practical steps to help your employees maintain productivity while honoring their religious commitments.
Tip 1: Be Mindful of Team Meeting Times
During Ramadan, it’s essential to be mindful of when meetings are scheduled to ensure that fasting employees can participate effectively. Mornings, especially a few hours after suhoor (the pre-dawn meal), tend to be the most productive time for discussions that require focus, decision-making, and collaboration.
As the day progresses, energy levels naturally decline, and by the afternoon, fasting employees may experience fatigue, making it harder to engage in lengthy or complex discussions.
To accommodate this, try scheduling critical meetings earlier in the day and keeping them concise and to the point. Additionally, avoiding meetings too close to iftar (the meal to break the fast) is important, as employees may need time to prepare for breaking their fast and winding down after a long day. If a late meeting is unavoidable, consider offering flexibility, such as allowing fasting employees to contribute asynchronously or shortening the session where possible.
Tip 2: Allow Flexibility for Short, Mindful Breaks
Long work hours without breaks can lead to burnout, especially for fasting employees experiencing low blood sugar levels. Encouraging short, mindful breaks can help maintain productivity and well-being.
You might introduce the Pomodoro Technique—working in focused intervals of 25-45 minutes followed by short breaks. Allowing employees to use these breaks for light stretching, a power nap, or quiet reflection can significantly improve focus and energy levels.
Additionally, providing a designated quiet space where employees can take breaks, pray, or meditate can make a significant difference in their ability to recharge during the workday. Managers should ensure these spaces are accessible and respected by all employees.
Tip 3: Set Realistic Workloads and Achievable Goals
Large tasks can feel overwhelming when energy levels fluctuate. Breaking down assignments into smaller, manageable tasks can help employees maintain motivation and a sense of accomplishment. Setting clear priorities and allowing employees to pace themselves effectively will enable them to stay engaged without feeling overburdened.
Encourage the use of productivity tools like Trello, Notion, or Asana to help employees track their progress and stay organized. Where possible, offer deadline flexibility to accommodate varying energy levels throughout the day.
It’s also helpful to check in with your employees regularly to understand how they are coping and make adjustments accordingly. Having an open line of communication fosters trust and ensures that expectations are managed effectively.
Tip 4: Respect and Support Spiritual Commitments
Ramadan is a deeply spiritual time, and employees will be observing additional prayers and religious activities. Recognizing and respecting these commitments fosters a supportive work culture.
Where possible, provide flexibility for prayer breaks, and ensure there is a quiet space available for employees who need it. Additionally, consider adjusting meeting schedules to avoid conflicts with key prayer times or Iftar.
Simple gestures such as acknowledging Ramadan in company communications, sending Ramadan greetings, or organizing an inclusive Iftar gathering can go a long way in making employees feel valued and respected.
Tip 5: Foster a Culture of Empathy and Inclusion
An inclusive work environment makes all employees feel valued and respected. Managers should take the time to understand Ramadan’s significance and communicate openly with their team members to learn how best to support them.
Simple gestures like acknowledging Ramadan, being mindful of scheduling food-related events, or even educating non-fasting employees about the importance of support can go a long way in fostering a positive and inclusive workplace.
One way to promote inclusion is by educating the broader team about Ramadan’s significance and the impact of fasting on employees. This can be done through team discussions, internal newsletters, or even informal conversations to build awareness and sensitivity.
Conclusion
As a manager or HR, you play a big part in your employees’ experience during Ramadan. Supporting them is more than just accommodation. It’s about fostering an inclusive and compassionate workplace. By encouraging flexible scheduling, allowing mindful breaks, respecting spiritual commitments, and promoting a culture of empathy, you can ensure a balanced, productive, and engaged team.
Still struggling with implementing thoughtful policies that foster inclusivity and boost performance? Our HR advisory services can help you design flexible work arrangements, provide leadership training on cultural awareness, and equip you with the right strategies to create a workplace where everyone thrives. Get in touch today!
