Quick start
If you only do a few things, do these. Small choices in scheduling, space, and communication remove a lot of stress.
Protect late afternoons
Energy and hydration can be lowest late day. If schedules are flexible, keep heavy meetings earlier.
Normalize eating
Eat and drink normally. Avoid awkward apologies and avoid making someone explain their fast.
Make space for prayer
A clean, quiet room and a few minutes for prayer breaks is usually enough.
Be clear on flexibility
State what is possible, how to request it, and who approves it. Clarity removes friction.
Plan for Eid early
Eid time off is common. Plan early, and keep a little flexibility because dates can vary.
Invite, do not pressure
If you host an Iftar or share a note, keep it optional and welcoming.
One principle that solves most problems
Ask, do not assume. Offer options, then let the person decide what they want.
Example: “If you are observing Ramadan, is there anything you would like me to consider for meetings, deadlines, or breaks this month?”
What colleagues may experience
For most healthy adults, fasting is safe. The main workplace impact is rhythm: sleep timing, hydration timing, and afternoon energy.
The first few days can feel harder as people adjust. Many colleagues feel most focused in the morning, then slower later in the day.
Common patterns
- Morning focus can improve
- Late day energy can dip
- Caffeine withdrawal can show up early in the month
- Some evenings run late due to worship and community meals
Two reminders
- Not every Muslim fasts, and people observe differently
- It is usually better to offer options than to change everything
Who may not fast
People with health conditions, elderly people, travellers, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children may be exempt.
Best practice is to ask, not assume.
When fatigue increases
The final ten nights can include more late night worship. Some colleagues may be noticeably more tired during that period.
HR and people ops
Your job is to make support predictable. When the basics are clear, managers do not have to guess and employees do not have to advocate repeatedly.
Before Ramadan
- Share a short note acknowledging Ramadan and pointing to resources
- Clarify flexibility options (start times, remote days, break timing)
- Confirm a clean, quiet space for prayer, and how to access it
- Remind managers that Eid time off is common, and planning ahead helps
- Keep language inclusive: invite people to request what they need, do not single out individuals
During Ramadan
- Make it easy to request small accommodations without friction
- Encourage earlier meetings for teams that can shift
- Support shift work teams with swaps, rotation, or adjusted breaks where possible
Eid planning
- Encourage early time off requests, but keep flexibility for moon sighting
- Normalize that exact dates can vary by region
- Share a simple greeting suggestion, “Eid Mubarak” is always safe and appreciated
Template: Company note (copy and adapt)
Subject: Supporting our colleagues during Ramadan
Ramadan begins soon for many in our community. During this month, some of our colleagues will be fasting from dawn to sunset.
For those observing the fast, energy levels and focus may shift throughout the day. While mornings often bring high concentration, late afternoons can be more physically demanding as hydration and energy levels naturally dip.
We encourage teams to be mindful of this when scheduling:
Meeting times: If possible, try to schedule high-intensity meetings or collaboration sessions earlier in the day.
Prayer breaks: Respect that colleagues may need short breaks for prayer during the day.
Flexibility: If you are observing Ramadan and would like to discuss adjustments to your start times, remote work options, or break schedules, please feel free to speak with your manager or HR.
Our goal is to ensure a supportive environment where everyone can perform their best while honoring their personal commitments.
Template: Manager check in
One message you can send:
“Since Ramadan is starting soon, I want to make sure I am supporting you well. Is there anything you would like me to consider regarding our meeting times, deadlines, or your break schedule this month?”
People managers
Good management in Ramadan is mostly good management, with a little more empathy and a little more planning.
What to do
- Ask once, then follow the person’s lead on how much they want to share
- Shift heavy meetings earlier when you can
- Avoid default lunch meetings
- Keep deadlines realistic, especially late afternoon and during the last ten nights
- Support short prayer breaks without making it a big deal
What to avoid
- Do not treat fasting as a performance risk by default
- Do not push people to disclose health or personal details
- Do not build a culture of apologies around eating
When you are unsure
Use options, not assumptions:
- “Would an earlier meeting time help?”
- “Do you want fewer late day meetings this month?”
- “Would you like us to move this social to after sunset?”
Client facing roles
If lunches are part of the job, offer alternatives like morning meetings, shorter daytime calls, or after sunset gatherings where appropriate.
Teammates
The best support is normal, respectful behavior and small adjustments when they help.
Helpful defaults
- Eat and drink normally without drawing attention to it
- If scheduling is flexible, prefer mornings for heavy collaboration
- Be curious in a respectful way, and accept a short answer
- If invited to Iftar, saying yes is a meaningful way to learn
Avoid
- Comments about someone’s body, food, or energy
- Jokes about hunger, thirst, or willpower
- Assuming everyone observes the same way
Simple conversation starters
- “How is Ramadan going for you?”
- “Is there a time of day that is easiest for meetings?”
- “Would you like to tell me what Iftar is like?”
Office and facilities
Small logistical choices can remove daily friction. The goal is a clean, quiet, dependable setup.
Prayer space basics
- A clean, quiet room that is not used for storage
- A simple booking norm, or a first come approach for short use
- A chair available for anyone who needs it
- A sign that the room is multi faith and should be kept calm
Office life
- If possible, avoid scheduling food centered events in late afternoon
- For after sunset events, have water and light snacks available
Quiet room language
A simple sign can help:
“Quiet room. Please keep this space clean, calm, and available for short prayer or reflection.”
Hosting Iftar
Ramadan is a great time for community building, as long as it stays optional and well timed.
If You Host An Iftar
Iftar is the meal that breaks the fast at sunset. Hosting one can be a simple way to include fasting colleagues, build community, and learn without putting anyone on the spot.
- Schedule it after sunset and check the local sunset time for that date
- Keep it optional and welcoming: no one needs to fast to attend
- Start with water and dates, then move into a meal
- Offer halal options and label ingredients; include vegetarian choices by default
- Skip alcohol entirely
- If possible, account for the short sunset prayer time and provide a quiet space nearby
If you host other socials
- Prefer morning or early afternoon
- Do not center the event around food or drinks during daylight
Invite language
Short and inclusive:
“You are warmly invited to join us for Iftar after sunset. Come as you are. Fasting is not required to attend.”
Recruiting
The simplest improvement is scheduling choice. Offer options and let candidates choose what works for them.
Interview scheduling
- Avoid default lunch interviews
- Offer morning options where possible
- If onsite, keep water available without making it a moment
Onboarding
- If onboarding includes social meals, offer non food centered options
- Share how to access prayer space if your office provides one
Simple scheduling line
Add to email templates:
“If you are observing Ramadan or have any scheduling preferences, feel free to tell us what times work best.”
Related topics
Ramadan and giving
A way to give back
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