Dubai to trial four-day work week for public sector employees

Authorities in Dubai have announced a pilot scheme to reduce working hours for selected government entities during the summer, as per a report by state news agency WAM. This initiative, known as ‘Our Flexible Summer,’ will commence in the second week of August and run until the end of September.

It will also suspend work on Fridays, according to the Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR).

Under this scheme, working hours will be reduced to seven per day for employees in 15 participating government entities, as per the report.

Currently, most government employees in Dubai benefit from a two-and-a-half-day weekend (Friday half-day, Saturday, and Sunday).

With the new initiative, these employees will enjoy an extended weekend for seven weeks.

While the DGHR has not specified which entities will participate, it highlighted that the scheme aims to “enhance workplace flexibility,” ensure safety during the summer, and promote a better work-life balance.

The department conducted a survey to assess the willingness of government agencies to adopt reduced working hours.

The initiative is also expected to lower energy consumption within government offices. “The proposal garnered exceptional support through the survey, indicating an openness to changes that will promote work-life balance and the well-being of employees,” the DGHR stated.

The DGHR will evaluate the impact of the initiative on employees and overall productivity. Studies within the UAE and internationally suggest that shorter working hours can boost productivity.

The DGHR will regularly assess feedback to compile a final report on the initiative’s outcomes, recommendations, and potential for long-term implementation across various government entities.

Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director-General of the DGHR, said the initiative aligns with Dubai’s vision to empower human resources through smart solutions and innovative policies, thereby enhancing the city’s competitiveness.

“The launch will also further our vision to empower human resources by developing smart solutions and innovative policies to uplift Dubai’s competitiveness. The initiative aims to enhance employees’ quality of life and promote sustainable use of government resources, positioning Dubai as the ideal city for a superior lifestyle,” he said.

The pilot scheme supports a directive by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, aiming to make Dubai the best city in the world to live in. Additionally, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, approved a strategy to improve the mental health of workers as well as enhance health and lifestyle by improving infrastructure in the emirate such as expanding beach cycling tracks, night swimming beaches, and designating new beaches for women.

As part of ‘Our Flexible Summer,’ work will be suspended on Fridays, and the workday will be reduced to seven hours for the participating government entities from August 12 to September 30.

The DGHR will periodically review observations and feedback to determine whether this initiative should become a long-term policy for future summers.

Read: How to bolster productivity during shortened working hours