Tech Leaders: Ramadan is a Prime Opportunity to Boost Team Spirit and Operational Agility
Tech and BPO executives assert that the holy month of Ramadan serves as a strategic window to strengthen team cohesion and motivate employees for peak performance throughout the year.
The consensus suggests that success hinges on reducing shift hours and introducing recreational elements to ensure staff remain well-rested and engaged.
El-Kiki: Shortening Shifts and Strategic Break Distribution
Mohamed El-Kiki, Director of Sutherland Egypt & UAE, explains that outsourcing firms adopt “smart” operational models during Ramadan to maintain productivity.
This involves shortening long shifts—particularly those leading up to Iftar—and redistributing break times.
Additionally, performance targets are often adjusted downward by 5% to 15%, shifting the primary focus toward service quality rather than volume.
El-Kiki highlights that companies provide light Iftar meals—typically dates, traditional Ramadan beverages, and snacks—at the workplace for those on duty during sunset.
Roles are also rotated during meal times to ensure everyone receives adequate rest.
Key Engagement Strategies:
- Night Shift Incentives: Providing purchase vouchers or snacks for late-night service agents.
- Recognition Programs: Organizing weekly competitions to reward top performers.
- Leadership Presence: Executives maintain direct communication with staff during challenging shifts to boost morale.
- Workplace Atmosphere: Decorating offices, hosting daily trivia, and organizing football tournaments to create a festive environment.
- Efficiency: Reducing unnecessary meetings to focus solely on core tasks.
Mostafa: Energy Management is the Real Challenge
Amr Mostafa, Co-founder of Travelyalla, argues that the core challenge during Ramadan is managing employee energy levels rather than merely reducing hours.
He suggests that customer service-oriented firms should focus on three pillars:
- Strategic Scheduling: Aligning shifts with the month’s unique rhythm to minimize fatigue, especially during pre-Iftar hours.
- Flexible Work Models: Implementing hybrid or work-from-home (WFH) systems where feasible.
- Result-Oriented KPIs: Prioritizing outcomes over hours logged.
“Productivity in Ramadan is driven by focus, not time,” Mostafa states.
He emphasizes that performance metrics should reflect the quality and speed of problem-solving rather than “desk time.”
He believes that when employees feel their circumstances are respected, their loyalty and effort increase, making Ramadan an ideal time to foster team spirit through positive reinforcement and symbolic rewards.
Fahmy: Quattro Prioritizes Communal Iftars
Karim Fahmy, CEO of Quattro Outsourcing, confirms that his firm reduces working hours in alignment with lower customer traffic during the month.
The company also provides meals for on-site staff during the Maghrib prayer call.
Fahmy notes that Quattro makes a point of organizing communal Iftar banquets once or twice a month for the entire staff, a tradition aimed at building social bonds and appreciation outside of formal work tasks.
