Observing Ramadan at work? Experts share tips to prioritise health and safety while fasting at workplace

It is the tenth day of Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam. It is a period of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community for millions of Muslims across the globe.

Since Ramadan is observed every year, most of the people get used to the fasting process. But people who are freshers or the ones who have health issues like diabetes and heart conditions need to take extra care.

On the other hand, there are those who live far from their families, or the ones who travel to the office every day, who may face some difficulties while observing the fast. Hence, the organisations with diverse workforces must support their employees during Ramadan.

Ramadan teaches everyone to restrain, self-discipline, and benevolence

¡°Different people will be celebrating Ramadan in different ways and understanding their culture is an important part of taking care of your employee wellbeing during the fasting period. Organisations should show an understanding and provide support to their employees who belong to the Muslim community. Organizations should follow healthy practices at the workplace during this auspicious month for Muslims," shares Dr. Vikram Vora, Medical Director at International SOS.

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Employees should be provided with flexible working arrangements, and breaks should be provided while breaking the fast. Dr. Vora, "Fasting has an impact on the energy levels; therefore, organizations should promote their employees to drink a lot of water and take rest. It¡¯s a common situation that people often face traffic problems at public places during Ramadan. Therefore, organizations should help employees to plan to avoid any delays while commuting to the workplace."

Employees can be provided with rest breaks, and more inclusivity should be brought during the meeting hours. This will help to provide a healthy work-life balance during Ramadan. During Ramadan, if the employees request leaves, organizations should consider providing leaves to their Muslim employees.

Awareness should be created about Ramadan, its importance, and its impact on the Muslim colleagues during this time. This will provide an inclusive environment in the organization.

Tips for employees to take care during Ramadan fasting

This will provide a healthy work-life balance during Ramadan. ¡°Employees travelling during the holy month, predominantly those working in the Middle Eastern countries, should follow their local customs and traditions,¡± adds Dr. Vora.

The holy month of Ramadan is venerated amongst followers of Islam across the globe. It is a big opportunity for everyone to understand the cultural significance of this. Cultural awareness is the most important soft skill in today's time.

During Ramadan, the workplace ecosystem is expected to take special care of its employees.

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¡°Fasting for so many hours is not easy for many of them. Hunger and weakness could cause irritability and may affect performance at the workplace; hence, businesses involved in MSME or mega ones should provide special time to offer prayers and rest,¡± recommends Dr. Tushar Jagtap, a dermatologist, physician, and health counsellor

Dr. Jagtap further says, ¡°Special care is advocated for patients who are on medication, especially diabetics, hypertensives, and thyroid medication, people suffering with peptic ulcers, and any other health conditions; due diligence is advised.¡±

¡°Random blood sugar and blood pressure monitoring with E-gadgets is advisable and can be incorporated at the workplace. Counselling and the "May I Help You" ethos will add confidence of the workers with their employers,¡± he adds.

If the employers follow this, they would go a long way in ensuring safety and security, especially in the month of Ramadan.