Ramadan is finally here, and Muslims around the globe are abstaining from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset. However, that is not all what Ramadan brings with it! Over the course of the holy month, Muslims also dedicate their time to family, generosity, harmony, spirituality, and according to our latest poll on Bayt.com, job hunting too! For professionals in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the wonderful spirit of Ramadan is very much present in the workplace and the holy month comes with plenty of time to reflect and plan.
So how are professionals dealing with Ramadan this year? What changes are taking place? Well, let’s get right to it:
Career Opportunities
According to the new “Ramadan in the Middle East and North Africa Workplace” poll, the majority of MENA professionals (79.1%) agree that they plan to spend more time looking for a new job during Ramadan. With over a third of professionals believing that companies will hire more in Ramadan, the job search does not have to stop during this holy month.
Productivity at Work
Even though many may be hungry and less alert without their daily coffee, the majority of respondents (63.7%) actually agree that their productivity during Ramadan increases. At the same time, half of the respondents see Ramadan as an opportunity to slow down distractions and focus on their career goals. A whopping 85.3% are still fully committed to their work and do not take extra days off in comparison to the rest of the year.
Workload and Work Hours
The workload during Ramadan seems to match the reduced work hours and the energy levels of employees. 43.3% of respondents confirm that statement, saying that the workload decreases throughout this month. Additionally, nearly half of the respondents reveal that they are satisfied with their companies’ work hours.
Professional Behavior
Professionals revealed that their habits and attitudes change during the holy month of Ramadan. 43.8% of respondents agree that people work with more harmony and mindfulness during Ramadan. Almost two-thirds of respondents state that they spend more time with their families and loved ones during Ramadan in comparison to the rest of the year.
Want to find out more? Access the full infographic here.