US President, Donald Trump, is on a mission to kill diversity in the workplace. Hardly two months into office, he has signed two executive orders whose purpose is to break the decades-long federal government’s adherence to inclusivity in workplaces in the US.
The policy on inclusivity in the workplace in the US didn’t just happen. People of all shades—African Americans, women and Hispanics, among others—gave their tears, sweat and blood, to realise it. Inclusivity is not an American phenomenon. It is embraced by all countries.
My worry has been that the world would follow along. Thankfully, the world has realised that Trump is an outlier, and none of the US’s allies such as Canada, the UK and the European Union are tagging along. In the Kenyan context, diversity is simply an affirmative action. Imagine for a moment doing away with affirmative action.
We cannot shy away from workplace spirituality—an ignored aspect of diversity. We are in Ramadan. However, how often do organisations adapt during Ramadan to ensure that Muslim employees, often a minority, balance easily between work and their spiritual fulfilment?
For employees honouring Ramadan, it tends to be a challenging month for them. Employees with heavy manual roles or those who have to endure long hours in day or night shifts face hurdles during this month. HR professionals should ensure employees get adequate empathy and support during Ramadan.
However, HRs can only undertake such roles effectively if they are conversant with the traditions and customs.
Therefore, they need to invest in researching the Islamic culture: and spend time with fasting employees to know how the organisation can help them during this period. Find out from HR Muslim employees the best initiatives and policies that can be implemented and search popular Muslim forums to know how Muslim employees can be supported during the Holy month.
Strategies for work-life balance include setting clear plans and goals for work allocation strategies well in advance before the onset of Ramadan. It is also important to inform supervisors to avoid setting multiple meetings during Ramadan, and limit or avoid heavy workloads for employees observing the Holy Month.
When Muslims end Ramadan, they invite everyone, including non-Muslims, to celebrate and feast together. To reciprocate, let as all celebrate their diversity during the Holy Month.
The writer is a Certified Human Resource Proffessional. Email: [email protected]
