In the UK there are a wide range of different religions that both employers and employees may need to have some understanding of and how they may occasionally affect the workplace.
Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is a five-day-long festival celebrated by Hindus. It takes place every autumn between October and November, with the date changing every year. This year it begins on 20 October 2025.
Many workplaces have employees from different religious and non-religious backgrounds.
Other examples include:
- Guru Nanak (Sikh)
- Lent (Christian)
- Pesach/Passover (Jewish)
- Vesak (Buddhist)
- Ramadan (Muslim)
Encouraging greater awareness and understanding of these backgrounds can be rewarding, particularly in terms of team building. It can also help to reduce the chance of misunderstanding resulting in complaints or disciplinary action.
For further advice and guidance please select the following links: