A connecting experience
Amsterdam – Divers & Inclusive regularly speaks to companies to hear how they promote a diverse and inclusive work culture. This time, we highlight a best practice from Capgemini. Capgemini celebrated the Islamic month of fasting this year, in a way that was interesting for both Muslim and non-Muslim colleagues!
Capgemini organised a special Ramadan event this year. What did it look like?
During the event, all colleagues had the opportunity to join in fasting for a day and experience the atmosphere surrounding Ramadan. Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims, which includes reflection, spiritual awareness and togetherness. If you have never fasted before, a whole day of fasting can be quite intense, so we came up with the idea of offering different levels. This way, colleagues could choose for themselves how they wanted to take up this challenge. To conclude, we held a joint virtual meeting in the evening where colleagues shared with each other their experiences of Ramadan and fasting. There was a very understanding and connecting atmosphere among the colleagues at this. We ended with a Ramadan quiz and the countdown to iftar time!
Why was it important for you to pay attention to Ramadan?
As an organisation, we place great value on diversity and inclusion. Capgemini employs employees from around 50 different nationalities and cultures. Listening to each other and sharing experiences creates mutual understanding and trust. This is how we encourage cultural inclusion, creating a safe working environment where everyone feels respected. Within Capgemini, we consider it important to pay attention to cultural holidays. For example, we celebrate Christmas, Diwali, Holi, Keti Koti, Mahayana and Chinese New Year. This year, our culture-and-religion network took the initiative to organise an event for Ramadan as well. It is important for our organisation to show our support for our colleagues in this month that is sacred to them and also to better understand the concerns of a large group of people participating in this month of fasting.
What were the reactions during and after the event?
The response was more than positive! The ‘Fast One Day Challenge’ was especially popular and there was much understanding and sympathy towards fasting colleagues. Questions on how colleagues can facilitate working with fasting colleagues and what they can take into account were frequently asked. The openness and interest shown from all colleagues was inspiring. Participants described the event as: eye-opening, connecting and a beautiful experience. From our Muslim colleagues, there was a lot of sharing of personal stories and blunders that do occur when fasting. The atmosphere was safe and inviting, which also brought us closer together as an organisation. We experienced together how special Ramadan is and look forward to the second edition of our event next year!