Ramadan in the workplace.

Today is the start of fasting during Ramadan. During this period, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, with no food or drink consumed between meals.

Last night, March 10 started Ramadan with sunset and today with sunrise the fasting began. It ends Tuesday, April 10, with Eid-al-Fitr (Great Feast or Sugar Festival).

This means colleagues or collaborative partners may be participating in the fast. In the workplace, we discuss this so that we understand among ourselves how best to deal with it. Colleagues who participate in Ramadan are also working on that during the day, and paying attention to that or asking once how things are going is always nice. But also thinking about it when getting a round of coffee. There is also a chance that concentration may be slightly less at the end of the day. We think it is important that our managers then take this into account when scheduling work and deadlines.

In an inclusive work environment, employees feel valued and respected regardless of their background or cultural beliefs. As an employer, we believe it is important to have inclusive policies that embrace and celebrate diversity. An important aspect of inclusiveness is providing flexibility and understanding for religious and cultural celebrations, such as Ramadan.