SJP now has put a greater emphasis on the inclusion of multi-faith facilities on or near its locations as part of its corporate real estate strategy. In fact, it is currently consulting with employees to develop another multi-faith room at its Solihull office. The proposals also include additional amenities such as prayer mats and separate hand and feet washing facilities so that staff have a means to cleanse themselves before praying.
Supporting Muslim colleagues
Advisory businesses are also running awareness campaigns to help educate all staff on the month of Ramadan. This has included encouraging non-Muslim workers to be mindful of booking working lunches or evening work events with Muslim co-workers during the festival.
Quilter has shared information with workers to help non-Muslim staff learn more about Ramadan and also how they can support their Muslim colleagues during the period.
Tosin James-Odukoya, head of inclusion, diversity and wellbeing at Quilter, says: “To help our colleagues feel supported during the holy month of Ramadan, we have shared all employee communications designed to help them best understand both more about the holiday and how they can support their Muslim colleagues during the period.
“This includes tips and advice on scheduling meetings first thing in the morning, accommodating breaks for prayers or resting during lunchtimes, things to avoid and the benefits of being aware and supporting our Muslim employees.”
She adds that Quilter is also offering greater flexibility to process holiday requests from staff who want to take annual leave for Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan.
Traditionally, Muslim workers have booked this day off with their annual allowance. However, the exact date is unknown until the night before as it is based on moon sightings. In the past, some work environments prevented workers from having the day off to celebrate with their families because strict company rules had meant that staff needed to give two-week’s notice beforehand.
But now more companies, including Quilter, are allowing greater flexibility to permit workers to have the day off at short notice.
James-Odukoya says: “We have ensured that managers are aware there may be unscheduled requests for holidays to celebrate Eid and will be offering flexibility to our Muslim employees.
“We also have plans to celebrate Eid through our employee resource group, the cultural diversity community.”
Financial planning company Progeny is at the forefront of change and even offers a paid day off for religious observations and hybrid working to help staff observe their religious beliefs and still fulfil their work commitments.
Progeny people specialist Kasia Bardyga says: “As part of our leave of absence policy, we offer a paid day off for religious observations and hybrid and agile working also provides flexibility for allowing team members to observe their religious beliefs and fulfil their commitments.
