With a global Muslim population of 1.8 billion people (Nations Online), and an estimated 200,000+ Muslims within our global seafarer population, it’s important to appropriately support our colleagues and employees during the Ramadan month.

So how can we do that? Particularly with our Muslim seafarers where additional challenges come into play, such as space limitations, workflows and the logistical side of providing food for those who fast from sunrise to sunset?

Here’s just a few ways you can support your workforce and seafarers during Ramadan:

1. Plan ahead

Although it might be difficult to pinpoint the exact start and end dates of Ramadan, you will be able to narrow it down to a timeframe each year which can help you plan for it. This can be especially useful for seafarers, as food often requires pre-planning.

There are usually organisations that donate Ramadan packages to seafarers in several regions, to help ensure their wellbeing and safety during the period. Others also participate in similar donation campaigns, and the focus is to provide seafarers with a comprehensive selection of non-perishable food and other personal care items to help enhance their ability to safely work during fasting hours.

2. Ask

The best way to support your Muslim colleagues and employees during Ramadan is to ask them how you can!

Communication, both before and during Ramadan, is essential in helping you to identify areas that require more focus or other issues. It’s also worth having a chat afterwards to see what worked and what you could do better next time.

3. Be aware

There will be some variations in how people observe Ramadan. Some participate in a complete fast (where nothing is taken by mouth during the hours between sunrise and sunset), while others will drink water if they’re working on vessels in hot climates. Be aware of this, and keep an eye out for anybody who looks unwell particularly in hot weather.

4. Be considerate

Seafarers face additional challenges during Ramadan when they’re at sea. Ramadan is traditionally a time where people spend additional time with their families or participate in charitable activities, so your seafarer colleagues or workforce might be feeling this keenly. 

Some other things to be aware of include:

• Avoid having meetings over lunch or over other meals where food is involved

• Avoid social activities or other activities in the early evening when fasts are broken

5. Be flexible and accommodating

Where possible, be flexible with things like leave requests and break times.

Although space limitations can be challenging, provide things like private spaces for praying if you can.

These are just a few ways you can support someone during Ramadan. 

Have those conversations, ask the questions and remember to always let the person who might need the support to guide it!

Read more about Ramadan here.

(Image by Shafin Al Asad Protic from Pixabay)