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How to Best Support Muslim Employees During Ramadan

Kanarys Staff

04/12/2022

The month of Ramadan is set by the Islamic lunar calendar, and this panel webinar from Kanarys discusses best practices to support Muslim employees in the workplace during this time. 

Key takeaways from the webinar include:

  1. In general, employers need to learn more about this holiday. Panelist Muhammad Abdul-Jami explained that the holiday follows the Lunar Calendar and falls on different dates each year. It is essential for employers to know when Ramadan is each year, so they can be prepared for employees to ask for accommodations or provide resources if employees are not coming directly to leadership with special requests during this time. 

  2. Panelist Muna Hussaini described the various levels of comfortability employees may have when it comes to letting management know that they are participating in Ramadan. Whether this is due to discomfort caused by a power disparity or just not wanting to share, managers should not be seeking to identify practicing employees and inquire about how they are practicing. Instead, there should be a maintained open-door policy that allows employees to come forward without fear of discrimination or retaliation. The level of commitment varies among those who practice during Ramadan but many are praying, fasting and committing themselves to acts of service. Because of this, Muslim colleagues may not be able to work late evenings or early mornings. 

  3.  Other organizational support that companies can provide includes establishing ERGs with faith, spirituality, and/or community focus that allow employees to engage in conversation with one another, and organizing volunteer activities so employees can get involved in the surrounding communities. Panelists also acknowledged that every company is at a different stage with its ability to offer these kinds of employee opportunities; however, the most important thing to do is push the conversation forward and create an equitable, inclusive work environment.

  4. Panelist Matthew Mengerink described what it is like for those who fast during Ramadan. He said, “The mundane is just harder.” Keep that in mind as those around you practice during the holiday. 

As colleagues, employers, and friends, it is beneficial to ask questions and be respectfully curious about Ramadan and its observances in order to understand its significance. As the holiday progresses, remember that whether employees express the need for accommodations or not, always strive for equality, acceptance, and inclusion. 

Kanarys is Your DEI Champion

At Kanarys, we are the diversity, equity, and inclusion people with the data-driven approach. Since 2018, Kanarys has aimed to change the world by creating equitable workplaces where everyone belongs. We guide your organization’s DEI path every step of the way with courage and collaboration. It starts with data, analytics and insights, and continues with recommendations and implementation. 

Our mission, as your partner and champion in the ever-evolving DEI journey: Help you understand what it takes to foster lasting, systemic change today and for tomorrow. Because when you succeed with DEI, your employees can thrive—and so can your organization.


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