Ramadan is a month of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion for Muslims worldwide. As the holy month approaches, workplaces everywhere are gearing up to create an inclusive environment that allows employees to observe the month without compromising their work productivity. As a result, Agate has implemented some significant office changes to ensure an inclusive environment throughout Ramadan.
One of the significant adjustments we’ve made is to shorten the lunch break from one hour to thirty minutes (12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.) to allow crews to leave the office earlier and avoid traffic congestion.
To help ensure everyone can maintain their energy level throughout the day, we have also made some changes to our meal schedule. For those who are not fasting, we serve lunch during the break time. But for those who are fasting, we provide meals in boxes that can be taken home at 4:00 p.m.
Another change that has been implemented is hybrid work. Although some crews were already working remotely before Ramadan, all crews, including trainees, can now work from home twice a week (trainees are new crew who undergo a training program for 6 or 12 months). This new policy is not limited to Ramadan only. Still, it will continue beyond the holy month because the hybrid work policy is more efficient and beneficial for everyone in the long term.
Crews heading home early with shuttle bus
Online meeting with WFH crews
Caterer preparing the lunchboxes
Lunchbox for iftar
As we strive to create an inclusive and supportive workplace for all our crews during Ramadan, we also recognize that the end of the month brings its own challenges. Homecoming, or “mudik” as it’s known in Indonesia, is a long-standing tradition for many Muslims, but it can be a stressful experience, especially during the pandemic. To help everyone prepare for this annual event, we’ve compiled some tips to make the journey as smooth and safe as possible. Here are some things to keep in mind for a triumphant Eid homecoming:
Be Fit
Before starting the trip, you must ensure that your body is in good health. To achieve this, start by exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet, and taking additional health supplements. Choose menus for suhoor and iftar that contain lots of minerals and vitamins so that the nutrients the body needs will be fulfilled. You can consume fruits and vegetables and drink enough mineral water. Also, ensure you have taken the COVID-19 vaccine booster to boost your immune system. Remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial not only before traveling but also during the journey.
Choose the Most Suitable Mode of Transportation
You can travel home for Eid using a variety of types of transportation. You can choose land, sea, or air routes depending on your destination and return needs. If you have a long-distance homecoming destination, it is recommended that you fly to save time and money. To avoid ticket price increases, reserve your tickets well before your journey. If your homecoming destination permits land transportation, you can take trains, buses, or private cars. It will be more efficient if you use the train because you will not be stuck on the streets. However, make sure you book your tickets quickly when they’re available. In the meantime, taking a private car back home for Eid may be an excellent choice. Going home in a private car may be more enjoyable for some individuals, despite potential hours spent in traffic, due to Eid’s highly anticipated and once-a-year nature.
Check Your Vehicle and Route
For travelers using private vehicles to go home for Eid, it is essential to take some precautions. First, it is mandatory to check the readiness of your vehicle for long trips, including the batteries, brakes, oil, and engine. You can service the car one month before going home to ensure a safe and comfortable journey. Additionally, it’s essential to master and regularly check the route you’ll be taking. The roads will likely be congested, and you may want to locate alternate routes to avoid traffic jams. Before starting your journey back, ensure you know the rest area or rest stop locations for your resting site. Taking note of their spots ahead of time can make the trip more comfortable.
Pack Smart
Prepare a travel health kit with essential items, such as prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, a first aid kit, insect repellent, sunscreen (SPF15 or higher), aloe, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, water disinfection tablets, and your health insurance card. Make sure you have enough supplies to last the entire trip.
Apply Health Protocols
In these times, following health protocols is still crucial. It is important to maintain strict guidelines, including wearing a mask indoors and outdoors and keeping a safe distance from crowds. Remember to wash your hands with soap and water regularly to remove the germs; if unavailable, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
Hopefully, these tips can help you make the most of your Eid homecoming. Interested to be a part of our crews? Check the vacancy list below!
