Many Christians in the workplace may be bracing themselves for the Ash Wednesday tradition of everyone in the office saying, “You’ve got something on your face.” But Ash Wednesday doesn’t have to be the last time Lent is mentioned in the workplace.
What is Lent?
Lent is an old English word meaning ‘lengthen’. Lent is observed in spring, when the days begin to get longer.
Lent is the period of six weeks (40 days not including Sundays) leading up to Easter, the most important festival in the Christian calendar.
Lent starts on Ash Wednesday. The last week of Lent is called Holy Week.
How is Lent celebrated?
Shrove Tuesday – In western Christian churches, the day before Lent starts is Shrove Tuesday. This is also known as Pancake Day. This day was traditionally the last chance to use up the foods Christians would not be eating during Lent.
Ash Wednesday – On Ash Wednesday many Christian churches hold services during which Christians are marked on the forehead with a cross of ashes.
This is a sign of showing repentance to God for any wrongdoing.
During Lent, Christians pray, fast and help others.
Some Christian denominations omit certain foods, or fast on certain days.
Lent is observed by Christians all over the world in various ways. Those belonging to orthodox and traditional denominations typically follow a strict fast, which involves wearing ashes on Ash Wednesday and abstaining from meat, fish, eggs and fats until Easter Sunday.
Others may opt to give up a single indulgence for Lent, such as chocolate, meat or alcohol. Furthermore, it has become increasingly common for individuals to forgo other activities during this period to reorient their faith, including watching television, going to the gym and even social media.
When is Lent?
The dates change each year. In 2025 Lent begins on Wednesday 5 March and ends on Thursday 17 April (otherwise known as Maundy Thursday).
How does this affect me as an employer?
In addition to ensuring compliance with Equality Act 2010, preventing discrimination in the workplace, and striving to ensure a fair and diverse work culture, as an employer you should seek to accommodate an employee’s individual religious needs where possible and treat them consistently with other employees.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) explains that, while you are not obliged to give the employee time away from employment if this would be detrimental to the needs of the business, you should see what can be done as an alternative.
What can I do to support Christian employees during Lent?
There are lots of things that you can do to support Christian employees and colleagues.
- Ask Christian employees how you can support them. Everyone will have a different faith journey and it’s not a ‘one size fits all’. Take this as an opportunity to make meaningful connections.
- Whenever possible, provide options for flexible working and time off as a choice for employees during Lent for those who wish to engage in spiritual practice.
- Fasting will likely impact energy levels, so consider allowing more frequent rest breaks for those fasting.
- Participate in awareness raising of Lent. This is a great way to educate team members and encourage an open and inclusive workplace.
- Appreciate that those giving up social media may not access information out of work or on private accounts.
For more information see:
Lent 2024: What is Ash Wednesday and why do people give things up for Lent? – BBC Newsround
What is Lent? (and answers to all the other questions about Lent) – Stewardship.org.uk