Creating an Inclusive Workplace During Religious Observances
In bustling Nigerian cities like Lagos, the typical workday already presents numerous challenges—from lengthy commutes and unreliable power supply to intense heat and deadline pressures. When colleagues observe religious fasting during Ramadan or Lent, these daily demands become even more physically and mentally taxing. By 3 p.m., a fasting colleague may have gone without food or water for over ten hours, yet they're still expected to deliver quarterly reports, manage clients, create content, and perform all regular duties.
While fasting represents a deeply spiritual practice, it also imposes significant physical demands. The question for workplaces becomes: how can teams support fasting colleagues genuinely without overstepping boundaries or creating uncomfortable situations?
1. Avoid Making Food the Central Focus
Constant comments like "You're not even drinking water?" or "I don't know how you people do this" can become exhausting for fasting individuals. You don't need to tiptoe around colleagues, but avoid turning their fast into a daily spectacle. When organizing meetings, consider scheduling lunch-based discussions outside peak fasting hours where possible, or ensure food isn't the primary attraction.
2. Offer Flexible Scheduling Options
For managers in cities like Lagos, consider practical adjustments: schedule critical meetings earlier in the day, avoid unnecessary 4–6 p.m. brainstorming sessions, allow early sign-offs where feasible, and provide remote work options when possible. Imagine breaking your fast while stuck in traffic on the Third Mainland Bridge—flexibility can make a substantial difference.
3. Be Thoughtful About Team Activities
Team lunches, birthday celebrations, and Friday hangouts don't need to stop during fasting periods, but timing and tone matter significantly. If planning a team dinner, consider post-Iftar options. For wellness activities, recognize that hydration-based challenges may not be inclusive during this period. True inclusion means allowing people to participate without consuming.
4. Avoid Assumptions About Productivity
Fasting does not automatically equate to poor performance. Avoid lowering expectations without discussion, speaking about fasting colleagues as "fragile," or reassigning tasks without consultation. Instead, have open conversations with simple, direct questions like "Is there anything you need during this period to work comfortably?"
5. Solidarity Fasting Isn't Necessary
While some may feel compelled to fast in solidarity, this gesture isn't required. Rather than performative support, offer genuine assistance through practical accommodations and understanding.
6. Provide Nourishment Thoughtfully
Offering fruits, digestion-friendly foods, and beverages when colleagues break their fast demonstrates genuine thoughtfulness. These small gestures can significantly enhance their fasting experience and show workplace care.
7. Consider Attire Respectfully
Being mindful of workplace attire during fasting periods shows respect for colleagues' spiritual discipline. Avoid clothing that might be overly provocative or distracting in shared spaces.
8. Respect Energy Levels
During fasting periods, energy and focus may naturally decrease. Try to avoid burdening fasting colleagues with excessive personal challenges or heavy discussions when they may not be at full capacity.
9. Be Considerate When Eating Nearby
You don't need to hide your meals, but in small or close office spaces, be mindful of eating in front of fasting colleagues. Strong food smells can be particularly distracting for someone who hasn't eaten all day. Simple adjustments like stepping to a common area or finishing meals discreetly show awareness without singling anyone out.
10. Use Culturally Sensitive Greetings
A warm, appropriate greeting during Ramadan or Lent demonstrates respect. Simple phrases like "Ramadan Mubarak" or "Have a blessed fast" acknowledge the occasion without being intrusive.
11. Avoid Inappropriate Behaviors
Never mock or joke about fasting, pressure colleagues to eat or drink, ignore their prayer or break times, or make their fasting the center of workplace conversations. Respect their spiritual practice without drawing unnecessary attention to it.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Ramadan end? Ramadan concludes with Eid al-Fitr celebrations, marked by communal prayers and festivities.
Can you drink water during Ramadan fasting? No, Muslims abstain from both food and drink from dawn until sunset.
Should meetings be rescheduled during Ramadan and Lent? Not necessarily, but avoiding unnecessary late-afternoon scheduling where possible shows consideration.
Is it rude to eat in front of someone fasting? No, but being discreet and respectful is appreciated.
How long does Ramadan last? Ramadan typically lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on the lunar calendar.
Supporting fasting colleagues during Ramadan and Lent doesn't require grand gestures. It demands awareness, empathy, and the fundamental understanding that workplace inclusion shouldn't be seasonal but rather a standard practice year-round. By implementing these thoughtful approaches, Nigerian workplaces can foster environments where all employees feel respected and supported during their religious observances.
