Flexible Work Hours Gain Popularity in UAE's Private Sector, Four-Day Week Still a Debate

As-salamu alaykum! The idea of a four-day workweek has become well-known in some parts of the UAE public sector, especially since the weekend shifted to Saturday and Sunday. This change has sparked curiosity in the private sector about adopting shorter workweeks to improve work-life balance, but there are challenges to consider. Some government departments, like those in Sharjah, have even moved to a three-day weekend, which has positively affected employee happiness, mental health, and productivity. Dubai also tried a flexible summer program with a four-day week that showed promising results. Experts say that shorter weeks can boost productivity because people focus better when they know they have fewer days to work. However, compressing five days into four longer days can create issues, such as longer childcare hours and increased stress for some employees. For example, a female-led accounting firm in Dubai tried a compressed four-day week but found it hard to meet client expectations and didn't continue it. Many private companies in the UAE prefer flexible working arrangements instead of strict four-day weeks. Flexibility allows employees to choose their hours or work from home on some days, which helps attract and keep talented staff, especially young professionals and parents. Government bodies like Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority have also seen benefits from flexible schedules, such as reduced traffic during rush hours. Health care and frontline roles often need different flexibility options, like staggered shifts, to maintain patient care. Overall, while the four-day week is exciting, it requires careful planning across the whole business ecosystem to work well. For now, many companies are experimenting with flexible hours and shorter weeks in certain departments rather than making permanent changes. May Allah make it easy for everyone to find a good balance between work and family life.