Ramadan begins when the next new moon is seen, expected on February 18th this year, 11 days earlier than last year. Muslims in Georgia and around the world are preparing for a month defined by fasting, community, spiritual reflection and service. For billions of people, the month is joyful and deeply grounding — yet it also brings physical and emotional challenges, including long days without food or water and nights filled with prayer and family gatherings.
Many Muslims try to add something meaningful to their daily routine during Ramadan: more prayer, charitable giving or volunteering. These commitments help reconnect them with the core tenets of their faith, dating back 1,400 years to the revelation of the Quran. But fitting traditional practices into the demands of regular work schedules can be difficult. Small acts of religious accommodation by employers can make a profound difference.
As organizations strive to foster diverse and respectful environments, understanding religious accommodations is key to ensuring the well-being and productivity of all team members. A religious accommodation is any adjustment to the work environment that allows an employee to practice their faith, such as shifts in scheduling, dress code flexibility, or designated spaces for expression.
To support these efforts, ISB Atlanta has created a Resource Center offering up-to-date guidance and practical accommodations for those observing Ramadan. Simple adjustments — being mindful when scheduling meetings, offering flexibility around lunchtime activities or providing quiet spaces for reflection — can create far more inclusive environments.
There are a few small but significant ways to support colleagues during Ramadan:
Have an open conversation with Muslim colleagues
As a group, Muslims are not a monolith. Everyone may have a different relationship and approach to their faith. Do not assume what anyone’s needs may be. Cultivate meaningful connections and provide opportunities where there can be open and honest dialogue about traditions and practices that affect the workplace.
Be flexible with working arrangements and time off for Ramadan
Options for flexible working and time off are key to supporting Muslims at work. Fasting will likely have an impact on energy levels, coupled with longer nights spent in community and worship. Colleagues can be supported with more frequent rest breaks and more inclusive meeting hours. This could include more remote working options, earlier starts and earlier finishes, forgoing lunch breaks for an earlier finish and having meetings during more core working hours.
Since Muslim co-workers observing the Ramadan fast will be refraining from food and drink, avoid scheduling mandatory and/or working meetings during mealtimes or when food may be served.
The last ten days of Ramadan are considered the most sacred of the month and so requests for leave should take this into consideration. While flexible working and time off are wonderful inclusive options, this should be a choice for employees and shouldn’t be applied as an expectation.
Raise Ramadan awareness in the workplace
Once the month begins, people who wish to offer greetings can use phrases such as “Ramadan Kareem” (“Have a generous Ramadan”) or “Ramadan Mubarak” (“Blessed Ramadan”). Even these brief gestures of acknowledgment can be heartening at a time when those fasting may feel physically depleted or set apart from the routines of everyday life.
Recognize Eid the festive holiday marking the end of Ramadan, which involves food and community gatherings. Eid celebrates the end of the holy month of Ramadan, and the holiday serves as a reward for Muslims who observe fasts and engage in prayer. Share well wishes by saying “Eid Mubarak”, which means “Happy Eid.”
Planning Ahead: The Lunar Calendar
Because Muslim holidays follow a lunar calendar, their dates shift every year. Proactive organizations can demonstrate respect by adding major observances, such as Eid al-Fitr (the celebration ending Ramadan) and Eid al-Adha, to the official company calendar. This helps teams plan for time-off requests well in advance and ensures that festive milestones are celebrated together.
When employers and workplaces take small but significant steps to support their Muslim colleagues, they send a clear message: every team member is safe, valued, and respected for who they are. In doing so, we don’t just create better workplaces; we build a more compassionate and inclusive society for everyone.
