Suggested practice for HR personnelMuslims now form one of the largest
religious groups in the UK. At a time when great misunderstandings and
stereotypes circulate the media and society White Metal Bearing Suppliers regarding
the religion, it is crucial for an effort to be made at all levels to go beyond
archetypal images and to begin to understand Islam and Muslims.With a population
of approximately 1.5 million Muslims and growing, UK based companies are
employing more and more young Muslim men and women. With this increase comes a
greater need for HR practitioners to be aware of the respective cultural
sensitivities.As with individuals from any background, if they do not feel
comfortable and understood in their office or company, it is likely that they
will eventually seek employment elsewhere.
In order to maximise retention of
young Muslims, it is ever more important therefore, that their sensitivities are
kept in mind.The following information contains basic tips and guidelines for HR
staff and others to bear in mind. Please note that these are very generic
guidelines. Muslims differ from generation to generation, culture to culture,
some are more devout than others and interpretations and practices of the faith
are numerous. It may also be the case that the individual is Muslim by name only
and chooses not to practice their religion.PrayerA Muslim, both male and female,
is expected to pray five times a day. This prayer involves facing Makkah (in
Saudi Arabia), usually on a prayer mat or clean surface and reciting prayers
which follow a procedure of bowing and prostrating.
This typically takes between
5 ? 15 minutes depending on the individual. Prayer times are calculated
according to the movement of the sun and take place at dawn, midday, late
afternoon, dusk and at night.For Muslims in your company it is a good idea to
allocate a neutral space for them to use for their prayers. This can be a
dedicated prayer room or simply access to a seldom used office or medical room.
Such a space will make your Muslim staff feel at comfort knowing they have
somewhere private and clean to say their prayers.If staff are required to be
committed to a desk space at certain times it may be a good idea to agree on
allocated times in which they can read their prayers.
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