Posted by As the month of Ramadhan begins this week, it is better to accommodate Muslim employees to ensure everyone in the company is prepared for changes in the workplace. Here are some key takeaways to ensure employees stay productive throughout the festive season.
- Reinforce the significance of cultural diversity in the office by encouraging employees to address any questions during the Ramadhan.
- Fasting 17 hours a day will severely affect energy levels and productivity. It is not easy to fast and colleagues need to understand how this can affect behaviour and working practices.
- Flexible work hours or readjust the workload can be given during this period. Alternatively, just be mindful of employees low productivity levels.
- Some Muslim employees may apply leaves up to 5 days holiday towards the end of Ramadhan to celebrate Eid. Be accommodating in allowing this period off to ensure it does not clash with company guidelines.
Work During Ramadhan
Do
Take into consideration the changes in the work hours before scheduling any meetings. Arrange your meetings around 10am-2pm while people are still energetic and alert. Avoid arranging meetings late in the evening as fasting colleagues/ clients need to break their fast at 7 pm.
Don’t
Never schedule any meetings or events during prayer time.
Related: Ramadhan and Productivity: The Perfect Balance
Ramadhan Greeting
Dos
Wish your colleagues and clients a blessed Ramadhan by saying “Ramadhan Mubarak” or “Ramadhan Kareem” both wishes bear similar meaning.
Don’t
Do not eat, drink or smoke in the office or public area during the day light hours throughout the fasting period. Most of all try to avoid eating or drinking in front of your fasting colleagues.
Give fasting a try
Dos
If you wish to try fasting during the Ramadhan period, the common practice is to wake up an hour or two before sunrise(known as Sahur) and take a light meal and sufficient water to keep you energised throughout the day. The best way to break your fast is to eat moderately and before getting back into your usual eating routine. Fasting can cause you to lose muscle besides your fat. To minimise the losses, eat sufficient protein-based food to offset some of the side effects of fasting.
Don’t
Avoid drinking any artificially sweetened drinks or zero calorie soda as well as consuming junk and processed food. Breaking your fast with a huge feast can make you feel bloated and tired. If you are looking to shed down some weight, feasting may slow down or stop your weight loss process.
Related: How To Fast At Work During Ramadhan Season
Precautions for fasting
You can break your fast straight away if you think that your body cannot take it. If you have any health conditions or prolonged sickness, avoid any attempts of fasting without consulting your doctor. For those who wish to exercise in Ramadhan, the best time is to work out right before the sunset as the timing sits well right before going to break your fast. Low-intensity exercises can comprise of walking, mild yoga, light stretching and housework.
Ramadhan 2019 starts from Monday 6th May until Tuesday 4th June. Wishing you a blessed Ramadhan! Follow us for more daily career insights and new hirings to land your dream job. Head over to Jobstore.com and unveil your next job opportunity.
You Jing is a content writer who writes career and lifestyle contents to inspire job seekers and employers alike on their journey to work-life balance, empowerment and transformation in their career path.
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