Curious about Ramadan and how to better support your Muslim colleagues during this important time? You’ve come to the right place.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which means it falls at a different time each year. It is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. It commemorates the first revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad, making it one of the most sacred months in Islam.
Ramadan in 2025 is expected to begin at sunset on Friday, February 28, and conclude at sunset on Sunday, March 30. During Ramadan, Muslims fast daily from dawn until sunset. A typical fast lasts 11-16 hours, depending on where you live. During this time, Muslims abstain from physical needs such as eating and drinking - yes, even including water.
Muslims who fast for Ramadan begin their day before sunrise with a meal (called suhoor or sehri) and then work through the day without their usual meal, snack, or drink breaks. They break their fast at sunset with a meal called iftar.
But Ramadan is about much more than fasting. It’s a month devoted to deepening spirituality, practicing gratitude, and fostering empathy. Muslims use this time for self-reflection, connecting with their community, and engaging in acts of kindness, all aimed at nurturing both personal and collective growth. Many also participate in late-night prayers called Taraweeh, which can last until midnight.
Create a supportive workplace during Ramadan
All of this spiritual focus brings challenges. Balancing fasting, prayers, and family responsibilities can lead to dehydration, fatigue, and other physical effects, making Ramadan both a time of spiritual elevation and physical endurance. While your Muslim colleagues don’t seek sympathy, they appreciate understanding. Simple adjustments can make a big difference in helping them stay productive, engaged, and comfortable during this meaningful time.
How to accommodate your Muslim employees during Ramadan
1. Adjust schedules and work options
Flex workers
If your Muslim employees don’t work a typical 9-5, allow them to choose their schedules during Ramadan. Let Muslim employees work at times that best suit their fasting needs. For example, some may prefer earlier shifts after suhoor, while others might work best in the evening after iftar.
9-to-5 Employees
It can be challenging for 9-to-5 employees to work their standard schedule while fasting, so consider allowing them to create a flexible schedule during Ramadan. This might mean starting later in the morning - after suhoor - and leaving earlier or working through the lunch hour to finish their day sooner. Remote work options can also help employees conserve energy by reducing commute time and providing a comfortable environment to manage their schedule and workload. As a thoughtful gesture, avoid scheduling meetings where colleagues might be eating amongst those who are fasting, as it can be uncomfortable and distracting.
The goal is to find a schedule that accommodates both the employee’s needs and workplace responsibilities, keeping communication open to find what works best.
2. Provide private prayer spaces
Muslims pray five times a day, at specific intervals: Fajr (pre-dawn), Dhuhr (midday), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (sunset), and Isha (evening). During Ramadan, prayer and spiritual reflection take on even greater significance, with many Muslims observing additional prayers. These prayer cycles are essential practices for Muslims, helping them stay connected to their faith throughout the day.
To support Muslim employees, consider designating a quiet, private space at work where they can pray comfortably, such as a meeting room or unused office. A simple setup with a clean space and prayer mat can make a significant difference in accommodating these needs. If possible, allow flexible time for them to visit a nearby mosque if they prefer, especially for midday or evening prayers.
3. Offer PTO for religious holidays
During Ramadan, the change in eating, drinking, and sleep patterns can impact energy levels, making it challenging for employees to maintain their usual pace. To support those observing Ramadan, consider offering some religious PTO so they can take time off to adjust to the new routine.
It’s also important to acknowledge that some may need occasional sick days during Ramadan due to the effects of fasting, such as fatigue, headaches, or dehydration. Providing this flexibility shows respect for their commitment to fasting and helps foster an inclusive workplace culture.
Eid-al-Fitr
Muslims celebrate Eid-al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan, a joyous occasion similar to Christmas in its significance. Eid is marked by gathering with friends and family to enjoy meals and celebrate together. Just as many would prefer not to work over the holiday season, Muslim employees often want time off to observe Eid. In many cases, Eid festivities extend for up to three days, though employees may choose to take just one or two days off. It’s important to be flexible with PTO during this time, allowing Muslim employees the space to fully enjoy and celebrate the Eid-al-Fitr holiday.
Foster inclusion through employee listening and open communication
If this information about Ramadan in the workplace sparked any questions, that’s a good sign—it’s natural to want to understand and support your colleagues better. Keep in mind that fasting impacts individuals differently, and some days may be more challenging than others. Respectful curiosity is welcome. Many Muslims are happy to answer questions and share insight on their practices.
Employee listening is essential to building an inclusive workplace, especially during observances like Ramadan. Organizations can use employee surveys to assess how effectively they are supporting employees from diverse cultures, religions, and backgrounds. Open, regular communication supported by listening tools fosters a culture of inclusion, ensuring that diverse needs are met and strengthening the organization as a whole.
