Supporting Muslim colleagues during Ramadan

Ramadan is an important time for some of our colleagues. So, we invited Senior Paralegal Juienna Tasaddiq and Partner Shazia Bashir to share their experiences of observing Ramadan while working at TLT. By understanding more about those around us, we create an inclusive culture that allows all our people to be their authentic selves.

Read on to learn more about Juienna and Shazia’s experiences and how we support our people during Ramadan.

Juienna: Can you share a little bit more about the importance of Ramadan?

Shazia: Ramadan is considered to be a sacred month for Muslims when all adults who are healthy do not eat or drink anything from sunrise to sunset. For me personally, it’s a spiritual month where we are meant to abstain from all things considered to be harmful to the body/mind including swearing, fighting etc. In my view, it’s also a month which promotes patience and discipline.

I especially enjoy the greater family time together. It can sometimes be difficult for all members of the family to eat together in the evenings due to different commitments however, during Ramadan everyone meets at the table to open the fast together. At the weekends we all take it in turns to invite the extended family over so that we can all open our fasts. I would say that this time together really helps us all to unite and helps us focus on our religion, but it is also a time for us all to relax and enjoy each other's company and listen to our parents share stories about their experience of Ramadan in Pakistan.

Juienna: It’s great that you’ve pulled out the themes of patience and discipline, which are definitely central to Ramadan. I also expect these are very beneficial qualities to have in your role as Partner. As a Senior Leader in the firm, do you feel supported at work during Ramadan?

Shazia: Yes, the behaviours I have learnt through religion have assisted me hugely in my professional life. Patience enables me to stay calm even when faced with disappointment and discipline helps me to stay focused.

In terms of the support available, even before Covid I was able to work flexibly at TLT during Ramadan which often means that I finish work a little earlier (when the energy levels are at their lowest) and pick things up later in the evening. I also have access to a meeting room in the office to do my prayers, which I would sometimes use to rest especially during the first week of Ramadan which I always find the most challenging.

Juienna: It's great to hear that you have the flexibility to look after your wellbeing throughout the month. Have you always felt supported in practicing your religion at work?

Shazia: Absolutely – I would often be encouraged by my manager to go for a walk and get some fresh air during the day and I used to especially find it amusing when my team wouldn’t eat their lunch anywhere near me in case it made me hungry.

Overall, I think it’s important to know what works well for you as an individual and speak openly with your line manager and team.

Juienna: So, as a leader, what would you say to other managers across the firm who have Muslim colleagues in their team that are fasting?

Shazia: To just be mindful of those who are fasting in their teams and check in on them. I always found the prompts from my manager to take a walk or to rest to be very supportive. Also, it’s ok to be curious and ask questions. I’ve had many questions from colleagues during my time at TLT from: “Is it right that you cannot even drink water?” to “Do you find it hard?” What about you, Juienna – is there anything you think colleagues can do to support you at work?

Juienna: I think this will vary from person to person, but for me it would help if, where possible, meetings were arranged for the beginning of the day. I tend to find myself becoming less talkative as the day goes on and I may not be able to contribute as much as I would like to if the meeting is after 4pm!

Shazia: Thanks, Juienna. I think conversations such as this are so important to have in the workplace. Whether a colleague has a religious belief or not, everyone should feel supported in bringing their whole selves to work each day, which is why learning from each other is crucial.

At TLT, we are proud to offer any reasonable adjustments to ensure that our people can celebrate Ramadan and other religious celebrations as they wish. As Shazia says, we want everyone to bring their whole selves to work each day. Learn more about our commitment to equality, diversity, inclusivity and wellbeing on our Careers page.