Ramadan and the Tech Industry: Building a More Inclusive Workplace

As the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan began on March 22 and will conclude on April 20. This month is one of the most sacred times for Muslims, celebrated with fasting and prayers. According to the IPSU, an estimated 300,000 Muslims reside in just the San Francisco Bay Area, with more than 20% working in the tech industry, an industry that can do much to promote diversity and inclusion for them. Even today, Muslims in the tech industry still face microaggressions and discrimination daily. However, with the help of a few workplace policies and positive change, we can make this month sacred for them within the workplace.

Small things like educating your teams regarding Ramadan, not offering food to your Muslim colleagues, and shifting workplace activities from food-centered to not could significantly improve inclusivity in the workplace. Another significant step would be to allow work-hour flexibility to help with the side effects of fasting and minimal sleep. Per the SMPH Intranet, meal breaks at different times, allowing time off to pray, holding meetings and training in the morning, and accommodating time off for Eid-ul-Fitr (community celebration marking the end of Ramadan) could help support Muslims in the workplace extensively. 

Leading tech companies such as Microsoft, Google, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are a few examples of companies in the tech industry placing efforts to help their Muslim employees. For instance, Microsoft offers a "Muslim Employee Resource Group," flexible working schedules, and prayer rooms. Google also provides flexible working schedules accompanied by Ramadan-themed events and thought-out food options for fasting Muslim employees. Furthermore, similar to the "Muslim Employee Resource Group," Facebook hosts "Muslim@Facebook" and an "iftar" meal (breaking the fast at sunset) for those fasting. Twitter takes a parallel route with a "fasting schedule" that helps Muslim employees adjust their work hours, prayer rooms, and diverse meal options. Last but not least, LinkedIn joins these companies in their efforts by offering a "Muslim Inclusion Group" and flexible work schedules. 

Though it may seem difficult to shift the course of the workplace during Ramadan, doing so is necessary to promote diversity and inclusion that can support Muslim employees. Ramadan is a significant time for Muslims, as can be reiterated by any news source, making it necessary to do our best to create understanding through our actions and policies and take the lead of the previously mentioned companies. Ramadan Kareem from Codology.