Dubai is set to trial a new work schedule for government employees, aiming to improve their work-life balance and overall well-being. The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) has launched the ‘Our Flexible Summer’ initiative, which will see some government entities reducing their working hours to seven hours a day, four days a week, with Fridays off.
A Step Towards Better Work-Life Balance
The initiative, running from August 12 to September 30, 2024, involves 15 government entities. This move aligns with Dubai’s Quality of Life Strategy 2033, which aims to enhance residents’ well-being and make Dubai a top global destination for living and working.
.@dghr_gov announces the launch of the pilot initiative 'Our Flexible Summer', which aims to reduce the working hours of participating government entities during the summer. 15 government entities are participating in the pilot stage of the initiative, aiming to enhance workplace… pic.twitter.com/JTyFy1vpyO
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 7, 2024
Supporting Employee Well-being
The goal of ‘Our Flexible Summer’ is to give government employees more time for leisure and personal activities, promoting a better work-life balance. By reducing working hours and giving Fridays off, employees can enjoy their summer while maintaining productivity.
Commitment to Innovation
Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of DGHR, expressed excitement about the new initiative. “We’re excited to launch the ‘Our Flexible Summer’ initiative. It’s part of our ongoing efforts to create a flexible work environment that supports the well-being of our employees,” he said. The initiative also aims to use government resources more sustainably by reducing energy consumption in offices.
Gathering Feedback for Improvement
Before launching the initiative, DGHR conducted a survey to gauge the willingness of various government entities to participate. The survey showed strong support, indicating employees are ready for changes that improve their quality of life. During the pilot phase, DGHR will collect feedback to assess the impact on employee productivity and overall satisfaction. This feedback will help us determine if we can implement the initiative more broadly in the future.
The ‘Our Flexible Summer’ initiative is a forward-thinking approach by the Dubai government to improve the work-life balance of its employees. By reducing working hours and creating a more flexible schedule, Dubai is taking significant steps to prioritize the well-being of its workforce. This initiative could lead to permanent changes in work schedules, benefiting both employees and the wider community.
Stay tuned for updates from the Dubai Government Human Resources Department and the Dubai Media Office on the progress of this exciting new initiative.
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