Ramadan: 5 ways to support your team during the holy month

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, businesses worldwide are urged to take proactive steps to support the health and wellbeing of fasting employees.

With nearly two billion Muslims observing dawn-to-dusk fasting, organisations have a unique opportunity to foster an inclusive and supportive work environment.

International SOS, a global firm specialising in health and security risk management services, highlights the importance of mindful workplace adjustments that prioritise physical and mental wellbeing in this period of spiritual reflection.

The business case for workplace adaptations

For fasting employees, the shift in daily routines – altered eating patterns, disrupted sleep cycles, and prolonged fasting hours – can impact concentration, energy levels, and overall productivity.

Recognising this, Dr David Teo, regional medical director at International SOS, shed light on the value of a proactive approach.

“Creating a supportive and inclusive environment for fasting employees is crucial during Ramadan,” Dr Teo said.

“Organisations can demonstrate their commitment by promoting healthy practices such as eating balanced meals at Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal before the fast begins) and Iftar (the meal to break the fast at sunset), proper hydration, sufficient rest and ensuring a healthy work-life balance throughout the holy month.”

Beyond internal workplace policies, businesses operating in Muslim-majority countries must also be mindful of cultural norms.

Dr Teo advises that office hours in these regions often shift to accommodate fasting schedules, and it is customary for non-fasting individuals to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours.

Traffic congestion before Iftar is another consideration, requiring businesses to plan logistics accordingly.

5 ways to build a supportive workplace

To foster an environment of support and respect, International SOS recommends five key strategies:

1) Promote healthy practices

Encourage employees to maintain hydration outside fasting hours, aiming for at least two litres of water between Iftar and Suhoor. Nutrient-dense meals can help sustain energy, improve sleep quality, and maintain productivity.

2) Create an open culture

Establish clear policies on religious observance and create a workplace culture where employees feel comfortable discussing their needs during Ramadan. Open communication fosters inclusivity and mutual respect.

3) Offer access to mental health and wellbeing resources

Offer mental health support through Employee Assistance Programmes, mindfulness initiatives, and wellness resources to help employees manage stress and maintain emotional wellbeing.

4) Encourage flexibility

Adjusted start and finish times, along with designated prayer breaks, can significantly enhance employee comfort and engagement during Ramadan. Demonstrating flexibility reinforces a company’s commitment to employee welfare.

5) Provide essential resources

Equip employees with relevant health and wellness information, from dietary tips to energy-maintenance strategies. Providing clear guidance on workplace wellness during Ramadan signals care and attentiveness to employee needs.

Business continuity and cultural sensitivity

With Ramadan culminating in Eid-al-Fitr, a significant celebration marked by public holidays in many countries, organisations should also plan ahead for workforce availability and operational continuity.

By aligning business policies with cultural awareness and employee wellbeing, companies not only enhance workplace morale but also strengthen organisational resilience.

A thoughtful approach to Ramadan workplace wellness goes beyond compliance – it signals a genuine commitment to inclusivity, respect, and the holistic wellbeing of employees.

As organisations support workers who will observe this sacred month, fostering a culture of understanding and respect can drive both engagement and productivity and ensure a harmonious, high-performing workforce.