In cities like Lagos, workdays already compete with long commutes, erratic power supply, deadline pressure, and heat.

Now add fasting from sunrise to sunset.

By 3 p.m., your colleague may not have had water in 10 hours, yet they’re still expected to present quarterly reports, manage clients, create content and perform their duties at work like everyone else.

While fasting is spiritual, it is also physically demanding. So how can you support your fasting colleagues without overstepping boundaries or making it awkward?

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It may sound small, but constant comments like:

• “You’re not even drinking water?”

• “I don’t know how you people do it.”

• “I could never survive this.”

— can become exhausting.

You don’t need to tiptoe around your colleague. Just avoid turning their fast into a daily spectacle.

If you're organising meetings, consider scheduling lunch-based discussions outside peak fasting hours where possible or ensure food isn’t the main attraction of the meeting.

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If you work in Lagos, you already know what 5 p.m. means. Now imagine breaking your fast in traffic on Third Mainland Bridge.

If you’re a manager, consider:

• Scheduling critical meetings earlier in the day

• Avoiding unnecessary 4–6 p.m. brainstorm sessions

• Allowing early sign-offs where possible

• Remote work options where possible

Energy tends to dip between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. A little understanding during this window can significantly improve productivity and morale.

Team lunches, birthday cakes, and Friday hangouts don’t have to stop. But timing and tone matter.

If you’re planning:

A team dinner, consider post-Iftar options.

• Ensure fasting colleagues aren’t pressured to “just take a bite".

• A wellness activity? Recognise that hydration-based challenges may not be inclusive during this period.

Inclusion means allowing people to participate without consuming.

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Fasting does not automatically mean poor performance.

Avoid:

• Lowering expectations without discussion.

• Speaking about them as “fragile” during this time.

• Reassigning tasks without asking.

Instead, have open conversations. Ask: “Is there anything you need during this period to work comfortably?”

Simple. Direct. Respectful.

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Some people feel compelled to fast out of support. While the gesture may be appreciated, it’s unnecessary. Rather than perform, offer genuine support like.

Provide fruits, digestion-friendly foods, and beverages when your colleagues break their fast. These small gestures show thoughtfulness and make their fasting experience more comfortable.

Consider how you dress around colleagues who are fasting. Avoid clothing that is overly provocative or distracting, as it shows respect for their spiritual discipline.

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During fasting, energy and focus can be lower than usual. Try not to burden them with personal challenges or heavy discussions, as they may not be at their full strength.

You don’t need to hide your own meals, but if you’re in a small or close office space, be mindful of eating in front of fasting colleagues. Strong smells can be distracting and uncomfortable for someone who hasn’t eaten all day.

Simple adjustments, like stepping away to a common area or finishing your meal discreetly, show awareness without making anyone feel singled out. 

A warm, culturally sensitive greeting goes a long way during Ramadan. Simple phrases like “Ramadan Mubarak” or “Have a blessed fast” acknowledge the occasion and show respect for your colleague’s spiritual practice.

• Mock or make jokes about fasting

• Pressure them to eat or drink – Never insist they “just take a bite” or join in on snacks.

• Ignore their prayer or break times – Don’t discourage or question the need for short breaks or quiet prayer moments.

• Draw attention to their fasting – Avoid making it the centre of conversation or workplace gossip.

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Ramadan ends with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, marked by communal prayers and festivities.

No. Muslims abstain from both food and drink from dawn until sunset.

Not necessarily, but avoid unnecessary late-afternoon scheduling where possible.

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No, but being discreet and respectful is appreciated.

Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on the lunar calendar.

Supporting fasting colleagues during Ramadan and Lent doesn’t require grand gestures. It requires awareness, empathy, and, most importantly, the understanding that inclusion isn’t seasonal but standard.