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.
One of the holiest months of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan, is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, spiritual reflection, and community.
Muslims follow a lunar calendar and Ramadan may last for either 29 or 30 days, with the start of fasting dependent on the sighting of the moon. This year Ramadan is expected to start on Monday 11 March 2024, and is expected to end on the evening of Monday 8 April 2024 (these dates may vary by one day).
Many workplaces have employees from different religious and non-religious backgrounds.
Other examples include:
- Diwali (Hindu)
- Guru Nanak (Sikh)
- Lent (Christian)
- Pesach/Passover (Jewish)
- Vesak (Buddhist)
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: