Remember to keep up business momentum over Ramadan

Use the time productively to prepare for the rest of the year and take advantage of the chance to network

The Holy month offers opportunities to for businesses and workers. Bloomberg

The last two weeks of work have been a rollercoaster.

It seemed that everyone wanted to get through deals, meetings and events before the commencement of the Holy month of Ramadan.

From my business point of view, I know it would be hard to schedule meetings, arrange calls and even get any productive work done throughout the month, and even afterwards, as everyone will be leaving for the summer vacation. That’s why we utilise the month at the office to rearrange our files, conduct a Ramadan office cleaning and plan ahead for the rest of the year.

My acquaintance told me that she deliberately pauses from working on any projects in Ramadan because she gets lazy throughout the month and would use her energy staying out late with friends.

I do understand that with the late-night lifestyle that accompanies Ramadan, it could get really hard to schedule morning meetings. Some people find it difficult to concentrate and function properly as they do otherwise during the year because of the lack of caffeine in their bodies or because of their low-blood sugar, or any other health-related issue that they deal with, and that’s understandable.

But what I don’t understand are those who deliberately get lazy and do not get any work done because it’s Ramadan and use that as an excuse. Ramadan is a time to reflect on your blessings, to do more good, to help the needy and get involved in charitable work more. If anything, it’s far from an invitation to do as little work as possible.

We are blessed to be living at a time when fasting during the hot and long day summer periods is easier than ever with the help of air-conditioned spaces, shades, lavish feasts and flexible working hours. My late grandmother told me how they weren’t as privileged growing up, their food options were limited, and yet everyone continued to work as they would, sometimes walking for long kilometres a day while fasting. History also tells us of those who continued to fast at times of war or hardship, and that didn’t stop them. If they were able to do it then, we certainly can do more now at work.

Our work routine certainly shifts during Ramadan, and a lot of countries that are observing the month take a more laid-back approach and that’s okay, but that’s not an excuse for us to get lazy.

What we do at the office is utilise the slower period to work on the things that we didn’t have time to do during the year. For instance, we review our IT subscriptions, and audit the list. We clean our files. We update our email newsletter list, and phone contact list. We review our goals till the end of the year and alter those if necessary.

This is something that you as a business owner could work on if you find it difficult to conduct meetings with others during the day. Use the  month to strategise and plan in the office. I find the quiet office atmosphere extremely helpful when it comes to this. Get through the admin work that you have been delaying. It's also a good time to reflect on your communications and social media strategy. If networking is crucial when it comes to your work, then plan Iftar, and Suhoor networking dinners, and invite clients. Ramadan shouldn't stop you from networking. In fact, a lot of people look forward to networking and conducting business over Iftar and Suhoor. And the great thing about this is that you are spoiled for choice. Hotels and restaurants compete over offerings and prices. You could also plan your annual staff party during that time. Not only is it economical, but also a great chance to meet everyone's families during that event.

Ramadan could be your most productive month if you plan it accordingly. Use the month as much as you can, after all it’s 30 days out of the year.

Wishing you and your families a blessed, peaceful month.

Manar Al Hinai is an award-winning Emirati journalist and entrepreneur, who manages her marketing and communications company in Abu Dhabi