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Workers in high spirits, enthusiastic during Ramadhan: Expatriates
Ramadhan, which obliges all Muslims to fast from dawn to dusk, affects almost all aspects of life. It changes day-to-day routines and business flows, especially in big cities like Jakarta.
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Colleagues having a meal together. (Shutterstock/-)
Ramadhan, which obliges all Muslims to fast from dawn to dusk, affects almost all aspects of life. It changes day-to-day routines and business flows, especially in big cities. For restaurants, fast-breaking is the busiest time of day.
“We had to ensure that half the staff would break the fast at the designated time and the other half 30 minutes later,” said Tim Bartholomew, head chef for Hujan Locale, a boutique restaurant in Ubud, Bali, recalling his Ramadhan experience when he served in the kitchen of E&O restaurant in Jakarta.
“[Complicating matters], customers all come at the same time and want their food at the same time to break their fast," said Bartholomew, adding that Ramadhan was a vibrant tradition and something he found quite joyous and enjoyable.
(Read also: Expatriates enjoy Ramadhan traditions)
“In the kitchen, Ramadhan was the only time that staff members were allowed to make themselves some food to break the fast, so one or two people would be designated every day to make food, drinks and desserts for iftar, so the staff members were really quite excited and celebratory,” he said.
Some expatriates also admire the spirit of people who are excited to welcome the holy month, despite having a lack of energy as their eating habits are disrupted while the workload remains the same. “For most Muslims, it's quite an exciting period, I noticed. So if anything, their spirits are up,” said Aaron Dunes, who works for an international company.
“I can see a slight impact in the office, yes. Also the working times are adjusted so everybody can join the fast-breaking time in the factory. We do see people getting a bit less productive, but I don't see less enthusiasm.”
(Read also: A simple guide to healthy eating during Ramadhan)
Dunes said he often joined his staff in fasting and his colleagues would often invite him for fast-breaking meals. Aside from the sense of togetherness, he believed fasting did not affect the working life. “Well, I have to balance work and religion carefully in the office every day. There are limits to everything. So far I haven't noticed an unacceptable drop in productivity.” (kes)
