Addressing Ramadan to Your Boss [Email Template]
As Ramadan begins, those who fast may find adjusting their work life to new changes challenging. Just as you make adjustments to your personal schedule during Ramadan, it’s important to try to do the same for your work schedule. Below you can find an email template you can use to communicate to your boss and team about Ramadan, and some tips on what adjustments you can consider as you observe this holy month.
April 5, 2022
FEEL FREE TO COPY AND PASTE THIS TEMPLATE INTO YOUR EMAIL AND SEND ALONG TO YOUR TEAM:
Dear [Insert Manager name],
As you may be aware, the Islamic holy month of Ramadan is starting on March 11. I am reaching out to update our team on how my observance of Ramadan this month may affect my workday activities and possible arrangements that can help optimize my performance. I will work with you to ensure I meet all deadlines and goals for this quarter and I look forward to keeping up the momentum for the rest of the month.
[Insert your arrangements, i.e. an adjusted timeline of your work hours]
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns and I will be happy to discuss them with you further. I look forward to hearing from you! Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
WORK ARRANGEMENTS YOU CAN REQUEST DURING RAMADAN
Ask to adjust your hours if possible. If your work schedule is flexible, you can ask for changes to your schedule. (i.e. you can offer to work through your lunch if you feel comfortable then leave work an hour earlier, if your job can work with those changes).
Notify your boss of your changed availability for after-hour events (i.e. not being able to attend Happy Hours, video call meetups, etc.).
Request accommodations for daily prayers if you’d like to observe them. You can also ask if there is a designated space you can use to pray in.
Request time-off for Eid with specificity, like letting your boss know the date may change but that you’re willing to work to make sure your work is covered in either case.
