How to ensure peaceful work environment

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims, marked by self-control, spiritual purification, and worship. However, this period also presents special challenges for industrial establishments in safeguarding workers' well-being and maintaining a healthy and balanced work environment. Long abstinence from food and drink while continuing to work affects workers' physical capacity and mental stability, which directly influences their efficiency, productivity, and morale. In this context, it is extremely important for employers, management, and the government to undertake coordinated and cooperative initiatives to ensure a peaceful, humane, and effective work environment during the month of Ramadan.

During Ramadan, workers observe fasting for long hours without food or water, which naturally reduces their physical strength and work performance. In reality, however, many industrial establishments keep working hours and workloads unchanged during this period, leading to increased fatigue and dissatisfaction among workers. As Eid approaches, workers expect timely payment of wages, overtime, and Eid bonuses. Any delay in these payments understandably creates frustration and anger, which can later turn into labour unrest.

Working for long hours while fasting also leads to dehydration, excessive weakness, and various health risks. Yet, in many factories, adequate rest facilities, access to safe drinking water, or basic medical support are not ensured. As a result, workers experience not only physical hardship but also increased mental stress. At the same time, many industrial establishments lack proper arrangements or suitable environments for iftar and sehri, which places additional physical and psychological pressure on workers.

Management behaviour and attitudes during the month of Ramadan also play a crucial role in shaping workers' perceptions. If, instead of showing necessary flexibility and empathy, strict and inflexible policies are enforced during this time, workers' dissatisfaction is likely to increase. In many factories, the lack of satisfactory space or time for prayer creates frustration among religious workers. Moreover, decisions such as layoffs, dismissals, or terminations during Ramadan cause extreme uncertainty and dissatisfaction for workers, especially when they are already under financial pressure.

To ensure a peaceful work environment during Ramadan, the following measures can be adopted to create a stable and conflict-free workplace. If these steps are implemented effectively, labour unrest will decrease and stability and mutual trust within the industrial sector will be further supported.

It is extremely important to reschedule working hours during Ramadan by considering workers' physical capacity, fasting schedules, and the timings of iftar and sehri. However, instead of making unilateral decisions, management should consult with workers to understand their opinions and practical needs. Participatory decision-making builds trust among workers and reduces the risk of dissatisfaction.

Timely payment of wages, overtime, and allowances before Eid is one of the most important conditions for ensuring workers' satisfaction during Ramadan. If employers determine and announce salary and Eid bonus payment schedules in advance, it creates mental reassurance among workers and significantly reduces the likelihood of unrest. At the same time, ensuring fair payment for overtime work is essential.

Every industrial establishment must ensure a selected space for workers to perform prayers. During the month of Ramadan, tolerable rest arrangements should be made to protect workers' physical well-being. Ensuring a hygienic working environment inside factories, easy access to safe drinking water, and basic healthcare facilities become even more important during this period. When necessary, providing medical assistance and opportunities for rest helps workers maintain their work capacity.

Industrial establishments should also have adequate and well-organized arrangements for iftar and sehri at the workplace. The provision of healthy and safe food helps workers maintain their physical strength and stay focused on their tasks. This not only ensures workers' well-being but also helps maintain continuity in production.

Regular dialogue is one of the most effective ways to maintain a good relationship between workers and employers. Listening attentively to workers' concerns, complaints, and suggestions, and resolving issues quickly and fairly, can significantly reduce labour dissatisfaction. Especially during Ramadan, empathetic, humane, and respectful behaviour plays a vital role in preventing labour unrest.

Proper compliance with labour laws in industrial factories is a fundamental basis for ensuring a stable work environment during Ramadan. Employers must ensure that workers are not deprived of their legal rights and are not subjected to any form of discrimination or injustice. If a worker falls ill during Ramadan, granting immediate leave and providing necessary support should be part of humane management practices. In addition, Eid-ul-Fitr holidays must be ensured in accordance with government regulations, and the holiday schedule should be determined in advance through discussion with workers.

Avoiding decisions such as layoffs, dismissals, or terminations during the month of Ramadan is the best approach to maintaining a peaceful environment in the industrial sector. To sustain a healthy and stable work environment, industrial establishments should announce wage payments, allowances, and leave schedules in advance so that workers are not subjected to any uncertainty.

In this regard, the role of the government is extremely important. The government should identify at-risk industrial establishments and encourage them to ensure timely payment of workers' wages and allowances. At the same time, for establishments that have already laid off workers or have shut down, the government must take effective measures to ensure the prompt settlement of outstanding salaries and other dues. If necessary, labor unrest related to Ramadan and Eid can be prevented through policy and administrative pressure, keeping law enforcement agencies on alert, and ensuring uninterrupted banking operations for the distribution of wages and allowances.

Ensuring a peaceful and healthy work environment during Ramadan is an important responsibility for industrial establishments. Safeguarding workers' welfare is not only a social obligation but also essential for productivity and sustainable industrial development. Coordinated efforts among employers, workers, and the government can help create a humane and peaceful work environment during Ramadan. Workers' satisfaction means a stable industrial sector, continuous production, and long-term growth. Ramadan teaches us humanity and kindness, and when these values are applied in industrial management, it becomes possible to ensure a just, peaceful, and effective work environment.

Dr. Sohel Mia is a Labour Relations Specialist, Columnist, and Researcher.

drsohelbepza@gmail.com