Tips for employers: create an inclusive workplace + Ramadan HR toolkit

Mar 4

VIWELL team

Last updated March 3, 2025

As Ramadan is already underway, it’s important to acknowledge the diverse ways in which employees observe this sacred month. Ramadan is a time of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection for Muslims, and supporting your colleagues during this time requires understanding, flexibility, and empathy. While each individual’s observance may vary, creating an inclusive and supportive work environment is essential to ensure that all employees, regardless of their faith, feel respected and valued.

Supporting your colleagues during Ramadan goes beyond knowing what to say to someone who is fasting—it’s about creating a culture of understanding and being mindful of the unique challenges they may face during this time. Here are are practical tips for create an inclusive workplace during Ramadan, helping everyone feel supported as we move through this important month.

5 Tips for employers : create an inclusive workplace

1. Remember everyone is different and don’t make assumptions

Each person observes Ramadan in their own way, and assumptions about how colleagues may engage with the month can lead to misunderstandings. Not all Muslim employees will fast, and some might engage in additional spiritual practices like attending daily prayers. Others may want to adjust their work schedule during Ramadan, whether it’s taking shorter breaks, working through lunch, or finishing earlier in the day. Be mindful of these varying needs. Avoid making judgments about how employees choose to observe Ramadan. Instead, strive for flexibility and accommodation, and foster a culture where personal choices around religious observance are respected.

2. Support wellness programs for all employees

We recognize the importance of offering wellness programs that support all employees, particularly during periods like Ramadan when health and energy levels can fluctuate. Providing a range of wellness initiatives can be a great way to promote inclusivity.

Consider offering tailored wellness programs that address both physical and mental wellbeing during Ramadan. These could include:

Mindfulness and stress-relief sessions: Offering virtual or in-person sessions can help employees manage stress and maintain focus during fasting hours.
Nutrition and hydration support: Provide resources or workshops on maintaining a healthy diet during Ramadan to ensure employees are staying hydrated and properly nourished during non-fasting hours.
Flexible fitness programs: Offer options for lighter, gentler exercise programs for those who may feel physically drained during the day.

Wellness initiatives like these not only promote inclusivity but also show employees that the company cares about their health and wellbeing during a significant period of personal and spiritual reflection.

3. Supporting employees at work goes beyond what to say

Supporting employees during Ramadan is not just about knowing what to say to someone fasting—it’s about understanding their needs and offering flexibility and support throughout the month. Recognizing that different people celebrate Ramadan in different ways is key to providing thoughtful support. Support goes beyond simply accommodating fasting hours. By taking proactive steps to create a flexible, understanding, and inclusive work environment, employers demonstrate their commitment to diversity and inclusion. This enables employees to feel comfortable and valued in the workplace, ensuring that their religious observance does not interfere with their professional success.

4. Create an open, inclusive culture

Talk to your team about Ramadan and ask how you can best support them during this time. Building strong relationships with staff, where they feel comfortable expressing their needs, will help foster a supportive environment. Understand that Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, and supporting your colleagues is not just about accommodating fasting but also offering empathy and flexibility.

Download Ramadan HR toolkit!

Packed with practical tips and strategies, this toolkit will help employers create a supportive, inclusive work environment during Ramadan. Ensure your workplace is ready for this season!

5. Be flexible

Flexibility is key when supporting employees during Ramadan. While people observe the month in different ways, there are common challenges, such as adjusting to disrupted sleep patterns, reduced energy levels from fasting, and the spiritual practices associated with Ramadan. The following tips can help create a supportive workplace:

Annual Leave for Eid: Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, and many Muslim employees will want time off to celebrate with their families. Since Ramadan follows the lunar calendar, the exact date of Eid changes each year, and the end of Ramadan depends on the sighting of the crescent moon. This may result in last-minute leave requests, so managers should be flexible when possible.
Managers: Be accommodating to these requests, but keep the operational needs of your team in mind. If possible, avoid scheduling important meetings or events around the expected date of Eid to account for potential short-notice leave requests.
Fasting and Prayer: Fasting can affect energy levels and productivity, and irregular sleep schedules due to early mornings for meals and prayers may lead to fatigue. When scheduling events or project deadlines, try to avoid meals during the workday (such as team lunches) and evening events, as many employees will be focused on breaking their fast, prayer, and family gatherings.

For employees in roles requiring physical activity, consider adjusting work hours or allowing breaks at different times, especially during the evening when they’re preparing to break their fast.