Ramadan is a sacred month of the Islamic calendar when Muslims worldwide observe fast from dawn until dusk. This month-long observance involves abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs. Muslims fast during this month as a way of purifying their souls, showing devotion to God, and increasing their spirituality. The month of Ramadan culminates in Eid al-Fitr, a joyous celebration marked by feasting and family gatherings.

As an employer, it is essential to recognise and respect the significance of Ramadan for your Muslim employees. Here are some ways you can support your employees during this holy month:

Be aware of the dates and schedule changes
The dates for Ramadan change each year since it is based on the Islamic lunar calendar. Make sure to be aware of when Ramadan starts and ends, and adjust your business schedule accordingly. Allow flexibility in work hours and try to accommodate the needs of your employees.

Offer flexible working arrangements
During Ramadan, many Muslims wake up early for pre-dawn meals and prayers, which can lead to fatigue and sleep deprivation. Offering flexible working hours, such as starting work later or allowing employees to work from home, can help alleviate this issue.

Be mindful of meal times
As fasting is an integral part of Ramadan, it is crucial to be aware of meal times. Some Muslim employees may need to take a break to have their pre-dawn meal (Suhur) before starting work, and others may need to break their fast (Iftar) during working hours. Be flexible and understanding of these needs.

Encourage cultural awareness
Promote cultural awareness and education about Ramadan to all employees. Encourage employees to ask questions and learn more about the significance of Ramadan and how they can support their Muslim colleagues during this time.

Maintain good communication
Communication is key during Ramadan. Regularly check in with your Muslim employees and ask how they are doing. Be open and available for any questions or concerns they may have, and ensure that they have access to any resources they may need during this time.

Annual leave requests 
Some Muslim employees may wish to take annual leave during Ramadan to fully devote themselves to religious observances. It may not be possible to accommodate everyone due to the needs of the organisation, but employers should act reasonably and have a fair system in place for granting leave requests.

Show empathy and support
Ramadan can be a challenging time for some Muslim employees, especially those who are new to fasting. Show empathy and support to your employees by offering words of encouragement, acknowledging their efforts, and expressing your appreciation for their dedication.

In conclusion, supporting your employees during Ramadan can help create a more inclusive workplace and foster a culture of respect and understanding. By keeping the above points in mind you can create a positive and welcoming work environment that values diversity and inclusion. 

From all at Morgan Hunt we wish all observing a happy, blessed, and successful Ramadan!

On Thursday 9th March we ran a webinar in partnership with the Black Leadership Group, where we launched the Black Leadership Job Board.

During the webinar we explored how the job board will promote leadership opportunities to black professionals and support employers reach a wider pool of qualified black professionals across the UK – the purpose of the webinar was to launch the job board and discuss why it is needed and how it will work.

The Black Leadership Job Board is available here: www.morganhunt.com/microsite/black-leadership-group/88

Speakers


Clare Keniry
Director of Strategy & Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Morgan Hunt www.linkedin.com/in/clarekeniry
www.morganhunt.com



Amarjit Singh Basi
Co-founder of the Black Leadership Group
www.linkedin.com/in/amarjit-basi-360a0987
www.linkedin.com/company/blackleadershipgroup



Robin Landman
Co-founder of the Black Leadership Group
www.linkedin.com/in/robin-landman-obe-ccmi-2229b214 www.linkedin.com/company/blackleadershipgroup

Watch the full recording below

Today’s job market is fast-paced and competitive. At the start of the year, labour markets in the UK were at a turning point. Vacancies reached the highest number since records began. We saw a 50% increase in roles, and we expect this to grow. The Great Resignation also created a new cohort of workers, putting their career needs first, and hybrid working became the mainstay.

So it seems like the right time to rebrand and reintroduce a professional services recruitment firm specialising in legal and accounting practices. One where every candidate and client receives a tailored service and where a dedicated team keeps all stakeholders in the loop at every step in the process.
 

Introducing Pentagon Talent 

“The demand for talent has grown exponentially over the past 5 years and as a result our clients and candidates expect and demand a recruitment partner with true expertise in their sector. Pentagon talent has built this expertise over the past 8 years, and it is right we launch a brand that reflects the knowledge and expertise we are proud to possess.”

Rob Fry, Board Director
 

“The way I see it, recruitment is like shopping. You wouldn’t go to a garden centre for your weekly groceries, and that’s exactly why we have created Pentagon Talent. It is a way for both our clients and candidates to feel more comfortable with the brand that is representing them.”

Sam Vorley, Team Manager
 

With a distinguished professional services brand, the Pentagon Talent team are able to establish themselves as the market leader in the legal and accountancy practice market. This is away from us, Morgan Hunt, a well-known public-sector specialist agency. Which is who Pentagon Talent inherit their values and our experience from.

We are re-engineering recruitment

Pentagon Talent isn’t your average recruitment agency. They originated from a Public Sector focused organisation where providing an ethical , cost effective and transparent recruitment service is paramount. With a strong connection to the public sector, where moral and ethical values are high, they adopt these in private sector recruitment. They care about the success of their clients and candidates and understand that every candidate is unique, and every client is different. Find out more about their mission and values on their webpage here: www.pentagontalent.com/mission-vision-and-values

Benefits for our clients

Pentagon Talent is able to attract and retain new and existing sought-after talent in the market. Not only do they have access to talented passive and active candidates in the sectors, with Pentagon Talent:

• You will receive optimum service no matter the complexity or challenge of filling a vacancy.
• You’ll benefit from a "one-stop-shop" which enables a seamless recruitment process when hiring.
• They are only working across two sectors. This ensures our knowledge and relationships within the market are established and we focus on delivery. 

Benefits for our candidates

Similar to the benefits of clients, you’ll receive a personalised and understanding approach to finding your next role.

• Pentagon Talent is associated with many of the top legal and accountancy practice clients. 
• You’ll have exclusive access to some of the most desirable and career-changing opportunities within the market.
• The team understand this isn’t your ‘next job’ unlike many agencies but a career which also impacts on your home life. They’ll help you find an employer aligned to both your career aspirations and values. 

A safe-pair of hands

Specialising in legal and accounting practices, they have a reliable team who are experienced in modern recruitment challenges. They will guide and support organisations and individuals through the recruitment process.

Where to find us 

Pentagon Talent is in London, and we also have offices in Manchester, Birmingham, Milton Keynes, and Glasgow. To find out more about recruiting or finding a role, contact our team today at info@pentagontalent.com