UAE: Federal government employees can now request a four-day workweek

The United Arab Emirates has taken yet another step in support of work-life
balance.

Last year, authors of a recent study presented to the Sharjah Executive Council
claim, after the emirate became the first in the country – and one of the world’s first
jurisdictions – to introduce a four-day workweek for public sector offices and schools,
an admirable 40% drop in road accidents and deaths was seen in eight months.
Sharjah’s decision came at the same time as a nationwide move to compress the
work week for federal government staff to 4.5 days, with Friday being made a half
day.

But now, federal government workers would be allowed to choose a four-day work
week, on a case-by-case basis and depending on the work requirements at the time,
authorities have announced. The new rules would come into force from July 1.

Benefits Outweighing Risks

In addition to a significant drop in road accidents, other benefits from the UAE
embracing a shorter work week have been more conventional, but no less
appreciated by those living there.
A month into the new normal in Sharjah, the emirate’s residents highlighted the
benefits before a reporter from The National in regards to more family and leisure
time, and more trade for the service industry, which depends on its customers
having more leisure time.

With Fridays off, religious Muslim residents were also able to better enjoy the
Islam’s holy day with their loved ones.

Innumerable studies across the globe back the idea of a shorter work week. A
particularly noteworthy research involving 1% of Iceland’s total workforce found
productivity increased or was maintained when working hours were reduced, while
well-being massively improved.

Compression, Rather Than Cutting

Since the COVID-19 pandemic and development of technologies that support
remote work, labour regulations and practices have been developed to put greater
emphasis on improving the idea of flexible working.

In the UAE, the new measures announced mean federal government employees can
enjoy a shorter work week through the compression, rather than cutting, of
standard expectations. The rules allow workers to reap the benefits of a four-day
work week only if they can maintain their regular 40 working hours in that time, and
dependent on their managers’ approval.

Updated regulations implemented in November 2021 offered the private sector a
similar option, provided both the employer and employee approved.

Longer Working Hours Are Okay!

On another note, although compressed work weeks give rise to longer working
hours (ten hours in four days, instead of eight hours in five), there are plenty of
polls suggesting workers generally prefer them.

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A study involving 1,000 American workers by HR technology firm Cornerstone found
nearly 90% of respondents believe a four-day workweek is better for stress relief
than longer vacations. And another recent study by the University of South Australia
found such a change comes with greater health benefits as people get more sleep
and physical activity.