How to keep your workers happy in Ramadan

Ramadan is a month of restraint, self-purification, and worship for Muslims. However, it also presents a significant challenge for industrial establishments in ensuring the well-being of workers and maintaining a healthy work environment. Fasting for long hours affects workers' physical and mental conditions, directly impacting their productivity and morale. Therefore, to ensure a smooth working environment, a collaborative effort between employers, management, and the government is crucial.

During Ramadan, workers fast for long hours without food or water, which reduces their energy levels and work efficiency. However, in many factories, working hours remain unchanged, leading to dissatisfaction among workers. With Eid approaching, workers expect timely payment of their wages and bonuses. If these payments are delayed, workers may feel frustrated. Long working hours during fasting can cause dehydration, exhaustion, and health problems. Many workers do not receive adequate rest or medical support, leading to increased dissatisfaction. In many industries, there are inadequate facilities for Iftar (breaking the fast) and Suhoor (pre-dawn meal), which creates additional physical and mental stress for workers. If management does not show flexibility and empathy during Ramadan, it can lead to resentment among workers. Strict policies without consideration for workers' well-being can intensify dissatisfaction. Many factories lack adequate prayer spaces, and in some cases, workers are not given necessary breaks for prayers. This can cause further frustration among religious workers. Some industries implement layoffs, dismissals, or terminations during Ramadan, which can left the workers disgruntled, especially when they are already under financial pressure.

Effective ways to ensure smooth working environment during Ramadan

Working hours should be rescheduled during Ramadan, considering workers' physical well-being and the timing of Iftar and Suhoor. However, before making any changes, discussions should be held with workers to understand their opinions and needs. Timely payment of wages and allowances before Eid is crucial. If employers decide in advance to ensure timely payments, workers will feel relieved, and the chances of dissatisfaction will decrease. Additionally, fair calculations of overtime wages must be ensured. To maintain workers' physical well-being during Ramadan, arrangements for rest should be provided. A healthy work environment, access to clean drinking water, and primary healthcare facilities within factories are essential. Industrial establishments should ensure adequate arrangements for Iftar and Suhoor at workplaces. Providing workers with nutritious meals will help them stay healthy and maintain focus on their tasks. Regular discussions between employers and workers are necessary to maintain a good relationship. Listening to workers' concerns and suggestions and resolving their issues promptly can significantly reduce dissatisfaction. Compassionate and humane treatment during Ramadan can play an effective role in minimising labour unrest. Following labour laws in industrial factories can significantly reduce unrest. Employers must ensure that workers enjoy their legal rights and are not subjected to any form of injustice. If any worker falls ill during Ramadan, they should be granted immediate leave. Additionally, proper leave arrangements must be made for Eid-ul-Fitr as per government regulations. The leave schedule should be determined through discussions with workers. It is advisable to avoid layoffs, dismissals, or terminations during Ramadan. To ensure a healthy and stable work environment, industrial establishments should announce wages allowances, and leave schedules in advance. The government should identify struggling industries and encourage them to pay workers on time, apply necessary pressure if needed, keep law enforcers on alert, and ensure smooth banking operations for wage and allowance disbursements.

Ensuring a peaceful and healthy work environment during Ramadan is a big responsibility for industrial establishments. Taking care of workers' well-being is not just a social obligation but also essential for maintaining productivity and sustainability. Coordinated efforts of employers, workers, and the government can create a peaceful and humane work environment during Ramadan. A stable and prosperous work environment will enable workers to stay focused and contribute effectively, which is crucial for growth of the industrial sector.

Dr. Sohel Miah, PhD (Labour Unrest), is a social counselor (BEPZA) and labour relations specialist