Ramadan in your care facility: what does it mean for your team?

Ramadan is a special time of reflection, fasting and community for many Muslim employees. Especially in the care sector, where international professionals play a crucial role, the month of fasting presents many facilities with challenges - but it can also be an opportunity for an inclusive corporate culture.

What does Ramadan actually mean?

The Islamic month of fasting lasts 29 to 30 days and begins at different times of the year depending on the lunar calendar. For many believers, it is a time of spiritual reflection, self-discipline and community. During this time, Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset. Only after sunset is the fast broken with the meal "Lftar", before dawn believers eat their last meal "Suhur". 

How does Ramadan affect everyday working life in the care sector?

• Energy levels & concentration: Fasting can have an impact on performance, especially during long or demanding shifts. For example, fasting care workers often feel more tired in the second half of the day as they have not eaten or drunk since dawn.
• Working hours: International professionals often prefer to work earlier shifts during Ramadan so that they can break their fast together in the evening.
• Community: Ramadan is a time of community. Breaking the fast in the evening is often celebrated together. This can be a challenging time for nursing staff living in a foreign country.
• Health aspects: Believing Muslims with health restrictions are exempt from fasting, but often still feel obliged to do so. Here, respectful communication can help to avoid uncertainty.

5 tips to support your international professionals during Ramadan

1. more flexible rostering

It may be worthwhile to organize the work schedule during Ramadan in such a way that it takes into account the times of fasting and fast-breaking as well as the usual prayer times. Employees who are fasting could be assigned to early shifts, while colleagues who are not fasting take later shifts. Alternatively, you could ask your professionals directly which shifts they prefer during Ramadan.

2. respect rest periods

Allow your employees to take rest breaks - especially in the afternoon when their energy levels drop. This can help to maintain performance even in later shifts.

3. adapt meal offers

If you provide catering, you should offer breakfast before sunrise and provide a hot meal after sunset. This makes it easier to integrate employees with different eating habits - and you can even strengthen team cohesion by breaking the fast together.

4. provide opportunities for prayer

Regular prayers during the month of fasting are particularly important to many believers. If possible, set up a quiet room for prayers or allow breaks so that employees can withdraw to pray. 

5. communication & appreciation

Open and respectful communication is key. Show your team that you respect the different religious needs. Ask early on what support is required and avoid making assumptions.

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How to integrate Ramadan into your everyday care routine

An inclusive corporate culture not only improves the working atmosphere, but also the long-term loyalty of your specialists. After all, people who feel valued and respected are happier and more motivated at work. In international teams in particular, an appreciative approach to religious traditions plays a key role in strengthening a sense of belonging. 

Communicate openly with your team, allow flexible working and rest times for believers and create a community in which Ramadan can be celebrated together. In this way, the month of fasting can become an opportunity for your institution to strengthen team cohesion and loyalty to your institution in the long term.

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