For Muslims, Ramadan is the month of fasting, prayer, reflection, charity, and community. I have also found it to be an opportunity for self-discovery and strengthening my morals and values. As an Early Careers Recruiter, Ramadan coincides with our annual Assessment Centres, a season I welcome with open arms since the values we uphold in the workplace beautifully align with those embraced during this holy month.
Each year, I start Ramadan with a promise to meet my personal aims using the 21/90 rule (21 days to build a habit and 90 days to make it a lifestyle). This includes fasting with the intention of strengthening Taqwa (God-consciousness) and being more mindful of my behaviour and actions. Over the years, fasting has become a key part of my lifestyle, even outside of Ramadan, through intermittent fasting.
Impact of fasting on work
In conversations with family, friends, colleagues, and candidates, a common challenge expressed is maintaining energy levels throughout the working day. Dehydration can lead to headaches, irritability for some, and having trouble concentrating. But this is also the beauty of Ramadan, by fasting whilst fulfilling our work responsibilities, we become increasingly aware of our productivity, rather than mindlessly going through the day. It's important to recognise that fasting can affect individuals differently. Whilst some may find it relatively easy to maintain their usual productivity levels, others may struggle with fatigue and decreased concentration. As such, offering flexibility (i.e. with work hours) and encouraging open communication helps create a positive and inclusive work environment.
A piece of advice that has stuck with me is to 'eat the frog' – tackle your hardest, most difficult task first. In the context of fasting, starting the day early and prioritising big tasks makes it easier as the physical effects set in over time. During the busiest times in my role, like running Assessment Centres, I am constantly on my feet, ensuring everything runs smoothly and in my experience, the fast-paced nature of assessment season means time passes by quickly. Fasting grounds me, calms my adrenaline, and reminds me to discipline my mind, especially when tempted by that glass of water in the corner. This sense of discipline carries over to my work, making me more mindful about my thought processes.
During lunch break or later in the day, I like to go for a walk whilst listening to self-improvement or spiritual podcasts. This not only distracts me from the temptation to eat or drink by keeping me engaged but also helps strengthen Taqwa by absorbing meaningful content.
Support measures from DWF
This year, we have offered fasting candidates the option to request morning time-slots for their assessments, understanding the difficulty of performing well later in the day without sustenance and the energy required to regulate one's nervous system in high-pressure situations like interviews. DWF also offers quiet multi-faith prayer rooms which can be accessed by contacting the local Workplace Support team. This allows employees to maintain spiritual practices, whilst additionally providing the opportunity for breaks in order to rest and recharge, with at least 10-15 minutes to finish wudu (ablution) and complete salah (prayer).
A key aspect of Ramadan is the emphasis on community. This is also reflected in the workplace, where we can create a supportive environment for fasting colleagues. At DWF, we have a Day of Fasting during Ramadan, inviting non-Muslims to fast alongside their Muslim colleagues during a work day. This day fosters a sense of solidarity, togetherness, and helps us appreciate the benefits of fasting, both physically and mentally.
Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food and drink, it is also about adopting a sense of empathy and compassion. By experiencing hunger and thirst, we become more conscious of the struggles faced by those less fortunate. This heightened awareness can translate into our work environment, encouraging us to be more understanding and supportive of our colleagues.
