Overview

Ramadan is a significant month for Muslims who fast from dawn until dusk. As a result of this, in the dental workplace, fasting colleagues may experience low energy levels. They may also require adjustments to their daily work schedule so they can observe specific prayer times and ‘iftar’, which is when Muslims break their fast at sunset. It is important to create an inclusive and supportive working environment that enables fasting colleagues to manage both their professional responsibilities and religious obligations effectively.

Simple changes to working patterns and team support can make a valuable difference, ensuring that all staff members feel valued and respected while maintaining high standards of patient care.

Guide

Nadia Ahmed, Consultant Orthodontist observes Ramadan. Here is her guide to working with Muslim colleagues effectively during Ramadan.

Supportive measures

Scheduling changes
Practices and hospital departments may be able to adjust working hours, and this should be discussed in advance so necessary changes can be made. Energy levels are likely to be higher in the morning. Afternoon clinics could be reduced, enabling colleagues to leave at sunset and break the fast on time. The team can offer to work together to redistribute tasks with other colleagues, where possible, during fasting hours.
Breaks
Dedicated times can be allocated for Muslim staff to perform their daily prayers and take short rest breaks, ensuring they can fulfil their religious obligations without compromising professional responsibilities. If the practice has a spare room, it could be set aside for prayer. Most hospitals have prayer rooms, so time could be given to go there to pray.

Open dialogue
Communication is important so that staff can voice their needs and talk about any challenges they face during Ramadan. This open dialogue fosters a supportive environment, allowing for timely adjustments and mutual understanding.

Outcome

By implementing these measures, workplaces can maintain a harmonious working environment during Ramadan.

Muslim colleagues are often grateful for support in making adjustments to enable them to observe their religious practices without feeling that they are burdening their colleagues or compromising patient care. Teams frequently report enhanced cohesion and a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity within the workplace when open discussions to understand Ramadan take place.

Conclusion

Supporting colleagues during Ramadan requires thoughtful adjustments and open communication. By accommodating religious practices through flexible scheduling, workload management and fostering an inclusive environment, dental practices can ensure that all team members feel valued and respected, leading to improved morale and sustained high-quality patient care.

Overview

Guide

Supportive measures

Outcome

Conclusion

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