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8/9/24, 4:56 PM Dubai's four-day working week could be 'win-win proposition', employment experts say | The National
“Others will eye it with caution, wondering how on Earth they’ll squeeze their ever-

expanding work to-do list into only four days. Most likely, this type of person will still be

checking their emails on their extra day off. They may also be more prone to burnout.”

For reasons such as this, assessing the trial’s impact on business operations and customer
service will be crucial, said Mr Jackson.

“Clear guidelines and communication will be essential to ensure the transition is smooth

and effective.”

Private companies may follow suit

Khurram Shehzad, director of Proven, a Saudi Arabia-based business services company,

says it is only a matter of time before private companies follow suit if the Dubai trial is

successful.

“Naturally, it depends on the business domain of the company, but wherever possible,

more private firms will be adopting this,” he told The National.

“More leisure, family and free time would mean other businesses such as the hospitality

industry would see a surge in their business activity, hence it will be a win-win

proposition.”

Mr Jackson believes that, while forward-thinking companies might implement the policy

to boost employee satisfaction and performance, there will probably be some hesitancy

from more traditional firms.

“This potential hesitancy could result from the fear of reduced productivity and

disruptions in customer service,” he said. “Companies with tight deadlines and demanding

client expectations might worry about meeting their commitments.”

The transition from five to four working days would also require careful planning and

clear guidelines, which could be resource-intensive, he added. “Financial implications,

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