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The Ramadan effect in the workplace

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  • Bertoli, Paola
  • Grembi, Veronica

Abstract

Using daily observations from Spain during the period 2003 to 2016, we leverage the solar rotation of Ramadan days to assess its impact on occupational injuries involving Muslim workers (i.e. first generation immigrants). Compared to non-Muslim first generation immigrants, we show a decrease by 4% in injuries for Muslim workers. We investigate the effects on labor market and find significant changes at the extensive margin (lower employment probability, fewer employment contracts signed) as well as in working conditions. Additionally, we show that the effect is stronger when Ramadan is more harsh (longer fasting day duration). Based on our results, it appears that reconciling religious practices with working schedules in a systematic way, may help to reduce the health and productivity costs associated to injuries.

Suggested Citation

  • Bertoli, Paola & Grembi, Veronica, 2024. "The Ramadan effect in the workplace," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 227(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:227:y:2024:i:c:s0167268124003251
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2024.106711
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    Cited by:

    1. F. Angei, 2025. "Silent alarms: workplace injuries under-reporting in Italy," Working Paper CRENoS 202503, Centre for North South Economic Research, University of Cagliari and Sassari, Sardinia.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Workplace accidents; Ramadan; Religious accommodations; Immigrant workers;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • J28 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Safety; Job Satisfaction; Related Public Policy
    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers
    • J81 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Standards - - - Working Conditions

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