Page 318 - DGHR PR REPORT - AUGUST 2024

8/9/24, 4:55 PM Dubai's four-day week trial could revolutionise working hours | The National

In this regard, Dubai is in step with other countries that have examined the consequences
of a four-day week, with interesting results. A six-month study of 41 Portuguese

companies last year revealed that a shortened working week led to work exhaustion falling

by 19 per cent and challenges to maintaining a work-life balance dropping from 46 per

cent to 8 per cent. In 2022, nearly 3,000 employees across 61 British companies that

trialled a shorter working week reported lower stress and better health. None of the

participants wanted to return to a five-day week.

Dubai is also an international hub for What is different in Dubai is the fact that this
commerce and finance; this trial could
trial is being led by the government. State buy-in

determine if less work and more play can is an important part of embedding such major
compliment a booming economy
societal and economic changes. Dubai is also an

international hub for commerce and finance; the findings from this trial could determine if

less work and more play can compliment and maintain a booming UAE economy.

This approach of valuing employee welfare while remaining focused on delivery was

articulated by Abdullah Al Falasi, director general of the Dubai Government Human
Resources Department. “We aim to improve the quality of life of employees and enhance

the sustainability of government resources,” he said, adding that this “ultimately

contributes to consolidating Dubai’s global position as a preferred city for living and

working by providing a new model experience that integrates the elements of quality of

life”.

For those Dubai employees embarking on this study, the next seven weeks will be an

interesting journey. If successful, it is a journey that more employers may consider taking

in the months and years ahead.

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