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Eid al-Fitr is one of the most important celebrations in the Islamic calendar. For many Muslims in the UK and around the world, it marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, reflection and community.
With more than three million Muslims living in the UK, chances are you work alongside someone who observes this time. As workplaces continue to grow more diverse, taking time to acknowledge celebrations like Eid al-Fitr is a meaningful way to promote inclusion and show respect.
Whether your organisation already marks cultural events or you’re thinking about doing so for the first time, this guide offers practical advice on how to celebrate Eid at work – with thoughtfulness, flexibility and a warm spirit of inclusion.
Eid al-Fitr, which means “festival of breaking the fast,” is a joyful celebration at the end of Ramadan. During Ramadan, Muslims fast each day from dawn until sunset. The fast is about more than food – it’s a spiritual practice that encourages reflection, self-discipline and compassion for others.
Eid begins when the new moon is sighted, so the exact date can vary slightly depending on the community. In the UK, it often shifts by a day depending on when the moon is observed locally or abroad. This can mean that some Muslims may not know exactly which day they’ll celebrate until a day or two before.
On the morning of Eid, Muslims typically attend a special prayer, often held at a mosque or community centre. Many people wear new clothes, visit family, share festive meals and exchange gifts. It’s also customary to give to charity at this time, so that everyone can take part in the celebration.
A traditional greeting for the occasion is Eid Mubarak, which means “Blessed Eid” or “Happy Eid.” It’s a friendly, widely accepted phrase – and perfectly appropriate for non-Muslims to use too.
Recognising Eid in the workplace is about more than marking a religious holiday. It’s a way of acknowledging the lived experiences of your colleagues and showing that their traditions are respected.
For Muslims, Eid comes after a month of deep commitment. Fasting while working full-time can be physically and emotionally challenging. Marking the end of Ramadan with a simple gesture or acknowledgement can go a long way in showing support.
For teams more broadly, acknowledging Eid is a chance to build understanding. It helps colleagues feel more connected to one another, and it fosters a sense of belonging. Inclusion doesn’t have to mean grand gestures – it starts with awareness and the willingness to learn.
If your workplace already marks occasions like Christmas or Diwali, then including Eid al-Fitr in that calendar is a natural step toward wider representation.
Celebrating Eid at work doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Even small, thoughtful gestures can have a big impact. Here are some ways to approach it:
Start by raising awareness. A short internal message or email can help colleagues understand what Eid is and why it’s important. You might include a brief explanation, the expected date, and a friendly greeting like “Wishing a joyful Eid al-Fitr to all who are celebrating.” You could also include a link to a short video or article for those who want to learn more.
Greet your colleagues. Saying “Eid Mubarak” is a simple, kind gesture that Muslim staff will appreciate. If you’re not sure how to pronounce it, ask a colleague or check a quick video online. Managers can also include the greeting in team meetings or newsletters to show recognition at a broader level.
Be flexible around time off. Since Eid isn’t a public holiday in the UK, most Muslims will request a day of annual leave. Because the date depends on the moon sighting, requests may come at short notice. If possible, be understanding about last-minute changes and support staff in taking the time they need to celebrate.
Some employers allow half-days or flexible start times so that colleagues can attend Eid prayer and still take part in work if they choose. What matters is offering the flexibility to make it possible.
Avoid scheduling major meetings or deadlines on Eid. If you know colleagues will be celebrating, try not to set key meetings or project milestones on that day. It's a small adjustment that signals awareness and respect.
It’s also worth noting that different communities may celebrate Eid on different days depending on how they observe the moon sighting, so a quick check-in with staff about their plans is a good idea.
Celebrate with food – carefully. In many cultures, food is a big part of Eid. If your team is in the office, consider sharing some snacks or sweets to mark the day. Popular treats might include dates, baklava or other traditional desserts.
Make sure that anything you serve is halal-friendly, or stick to vegetarian and plant-based options to be safe. Avoid alcohol, which isn’t appropriate for Eid celebrations. For remote teams, you could send a small gift or e-card, or organise a casual virtual catch-up to share good wishes.
Decorate shared spaces, if appropriate. If your office usually puts up decorations for festive events, you could do something similar for Eid. A simple “Eid Mubarak” sign, some lights, or a few crescent-and-star shapes can add a thoughtful touch.
Check with Muslim colleagues to make sure your plans feel appropriate and inclusive. If you're unsure, it’s always okay to ask – most people will appreciate the effort.
Encourage learning and participation. Some workplaces invite speakers or organise short “lunch and learn” sessions to help colleagues understand different cultural and religious traditions. You could invite a Muslim colleague to share what Eid means to them – but only if they feel comfortable doing so.
The goal is to create space for learning, not to place anyone under pressure to speak on behalf of their faith or community.
It’s important to recognise that Muslims celebrate Eid in different ways. Traditions vary by culture, region and personal choice. Some people may mark the day quietly with family; others may host large gatherings.
Avoid making assumptions about how someone celebrates, or whether they celebrate at all. The best approach is simply to ask – respectfully – if they’d like to be involved in anything you're planning.
Also remember that inclusion is not about getting everything perfect. It’s about showing respect and being open to learning. If you’re unsure about something, it’s fine to ask a question with care and curiosity.
Finally, don’t forget that participation in any celebration should always be voluntary. Not everyone will want to join in, and that’s okay. What matters is creating opportunities where people can take part if they want to.
In 2024, the UK’s major accountancy firms – KPMG, Deloitte, PwC and EY – held a joint Eid celebration hosted at KPMG’s London office. The event brought together Muslim staff from across all four firms and celebrated their achievements, while also raising awareness of Eid among wider teams.
It’s a large-scale example, but it shows how the workplace can become a space for cultural exchange and celebration. Your organisation doesn’t need to replicate this – even a small, sincere gesture can have just as much impact.
Recognising Eid al-Fitr in the workplace is a simple but powerful way to support your colleagues and celebrate the diversity of your team. You don’t need a big event or a detailed plan. A bit of awareness, flexibility, and kindness is often enough.
If this is your first time acknowledging Eid at work, start small. You’ll be surprised by how much it’s appreciated – and you might just start a new tradition that brings your team closer together.
Eid Mubarak to all who are celebrating.
