Inclusion | Ramadan in the workplace: A health and safety perspective for HR

Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of 17 February and run until 18 or 19 March, depending on the sighting of the moon. This year, the winter timing means shorter fasting hours and cooler temperatures, which can make balancing work and worship more manageable than during long summer fasts.

But while the practical impact may vary year to year, the underlying considerations for employers remain constant. For HR leaders, Ramadan is not just a cultural or religious moment to acknowledge, it is also a prompt to revisit health, safety and wellbeing practices across the organisation.

Understanding what Ramadan means

Ramadan is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting from dawn until sunset. In addition to abstaining from food and drink, many will increase prayer, charitable giving and reflection. The fast is broken each evening with iftar, often shared with family or community.

Einaas Farooky, ICO Auditor and Health & Safety Lead at Peninsula, says Ramadan is “a sacred time for Muslims globally, characterised by fasting from dawn until sunset.” She explains that it is “a period dedicated to reflection, self-discipline, gratitude, and community, emphasising the importance of being mindful of our health and wellbeing, and the ways we care for ourselves and others.”