A private choice
Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar. Since this calendar is lunar, the date of ramadan changes each year. This month is marked by fasting from dawn until sunset, during which individuals do not eat or drink.
There are exemptions from fasting for those with health issues, such as chronic patients, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and elderly individuals.
The decision to observe ramadan is a personal one, so you do not have to take specific measures as an employer. Employees cannot demand special accommodations either.
However, we recommend that you consider this. Doing so shows respect for everyone's beliefs and can help maintain concentration, alertness, and safety at work.
Communicate
Talk to your employees to find out who is observing ramadan. Discuss how ramadan may affect safety at work and the measures you are considering with both fasting and non-fasting employees. This will help prevent potential frustrations and misunderstandings.
Propose accommodations for tasks
Try to schedule heavy tasks for the morning and consult with the entire team to redistribute tasks.
You can also ensure that fasting employees work in teams with those who are not fasting.
Be mindful of tasks where a lack of attention could lead to serious consequences, such as security or vigilance roles.
Additionally, teleworking can be a beneficial work arrangement if the role allows for it. However, ensure that all employees are treated equally. If you have not yet established a telework policy in your company, please contact our specialists at consultinglegal@securex.be. You can also find telework document packages on our website.
In general, your occupational physician can provide advice on the measures to be taken.
Adapt schedules or break times
You can offer greater flexibility in scheduling, rest periods, and shift work:
- Start earlier
- Shorten lunch breaks, allowing your employee to leave earlier if needed
- Allow for short breaks throughout the day
- …
This is particularly important when ramadan occurs during the summer months, when the days are longer.
