How to support your employees during Ramadan

The holy month of Ramadan starts in the U.S. on April 2, 2022 and ends with Eid al-Fitr on May 2. As the ninth month of the Islamic calendar is considered the holiest, many Muslims spend the month dedicating themselves by fasting and taking part in religious practices.

While some employees will ask for time off during the month, many Muslim employees who continue to work will fast from sunrise to sunset every day, which is about 12 hours in the U.S. this time of year. During Ramadan, Muslims will also spend evenings in a special prayer at a mosque as well as a celebration breaking their fast.

When it comes to supporting employees who are celebrating Ramadan, it is important to remember there are many interpretations and practices of faith as well as differing levels of observance. Leaders and managers should ask about specific needs or flexibility with individual employees when determining if they will be fasting, but here are three best practices for the month:

• Be considerate when scheduling meetings.