Toronto – A newly-released report from renowned UK-based research company, Oxford Strategic Consulting (OSC), has revealed that the Islamic holy month of Ramadan presents employers with opportunities to increase their productivity through increased employee well-being.
Contrary to the widely held belief that Ramadan slows down business productivity, OSC has found that, in fact, the holy month presents employers with a unique set of chances for creating a happier, healthier work environment. More and more forward-thinking MENA and GCC business leaders are beginning to see that Ramadan has its benefits.
Instead of focusing on the so-called negative effects of Ramadan, the OSC report urges companies to target improving well-being, increasing engagement and embracing flexible work patterns.”
The Vacation Time effect
According to a study done by Ernst and Young back in 2006, for every additional 10 hours of vacation an employee takes, their performance ratings increased by 8 percent. Employee retention rates also increased with employees who took frequent vacation breaks.
Chairman of OSC, Professor William Scott-Jackson, observed, “A great leader helps their team work effectively and happily to make sure the most of every hour rather than just put in the hours.”
Shorter Work Hours and work Weeks
Studies have shown that the most productive hours of anyone’s workday are the second and sixth hours. Adjusting down from the normal eight-hour day, therefore, seems like a productive idea.
As for the idea of shorter weeks, the Swedish government instituted a 30-hour work week, down from forty hours, and discovered that productivity actually rose. People were “happier, less stressed and enjoyed work more.”
The report also pointed out that in the MENA region, “prevailing work hours during the holy month are unlikely to change because of fiscal concerns.”
Workloads and Schedules Can be Flexible
The report, however, urges employers to focus on engaging their employees and building up well-being in individuals and teams. A study performed by the Birmingham Business School revealed that employees with more autonomous work schedules felt better overall and performed more happily in their jobs.
It seems reasonable, therefore, to view Ramadan as an opportunity to encourage workplace flexibility where scheduling is concerned. Leave it to your employees to work when it feels comfortable to do so.
Flexibility is the Key
During Ramadan, companies who stay flexible could find themselves a happier, more productive environment. The report recommends using team-building exercises creatively. Events such as team meetings and brainstorming sessions could take place around an Iftar table or at other Ramadan-driven social events. Employees should be given the option of performing more rigid work tasks at home.
Being flexible means breaking with routine wherever possible. The results are a re-energized team and stronger team bonds. All in all, a happier result for all.
