Introduction
An increasing expectation for flexibility and consideration is being observed among employees who are participating in the rituals of Ramadan. It is important for employers to be considerate of the needs of their employees when they are fasting during Ramadan from dawn to dusk, offering prayers multiple times in a day. Ramadan is a month-long event, and it is crucial that HRs have a suitable plan in place to accommodate those involved in its practices.
In this blog we will talk about the impact fasting can have on your employees along with the ways you can help all your fasting employees.
How Does Fasting Impact Employees?
Fasting without food and water can easily impact the physical and mental health of people. It can lead to fatigue, dizziness and weakness. Drop in blood sugar levels can make it difficult to stay energetic and focused. Such symptoms can make it difficult for your employees to keep up with their usual productivity levels.
How to Help Employees Fasting During Ramadan?
Being accommodative in time of need is something which all your employees will appreciate. This will directly impact on the employee engagement levels. In this section find out four ways in which you can help your people this Ramadan.
1. Being considerate about productivity levels
Change in dietary consumption and sleep patterns can impact everyday productivity and performance of your employees. Try not to be too strict about their performance during this one month. Allow their days to be light, so they can strike a balance between work and Ramadan practices.
2. Proactive leave planning
Your inbox may be filled with requests for leave approvals during the month of Ramadan. While it may not be practically possible to approve every request but what can be done is anticipate the leave requests and have a plan chalked out in advance. Proactively planning leave will allow you to stay more in control and help you ensure that your people are satisfied, and your work is least affected.
3. Being thoughtful while scheduling meetings and events
Early hours of the day would ideally be the best time to schedule meets which would require attendance of those fasting for Ramadan. Avoid scheduling meetings and events that require a lot of time and energy to travel as these may cause fatigue. Allow your people to have the afternoons and evenings for lighter tasks so they can strike a balance between their work and Ramadan practices.
4. Communicate to understand needs
Actively listening to what your employees are talking about can help you estimate their expectations. The best way to make sure your employees feel heard is to reach out to them and communicate with them directly, whenever needed. A direct conversation will help you to understand their needs, their expectations and collaboratively chalk out plans that are mutually beneficial.
Conclusion
While being accommodative may seem overwhelming initially, with the right strategies, attitude and solutions it is more than possible. Analyzing the impact and preparing for it in advance can help you stay on track. Consideration for employees today during Ramadan fasting can help you win their loyalty for tomorrow. It will help you create a sense of belonging amongst employees benefiting from these strategies and policies and amongst those not directly yielding to the advantage.
