Page 108 - DGHR PR REPORT - NOVEMBER 2024

11/12/24, 9:39 AM Flexible working hours and remote work policies cut morni...
The first survey covered 644 companies with over 320,000 employees, while the second surveyed
12,000 employees from the private sector.

Findings show that 32% of private companies currently implement remote work policies, with a further
58% of companies expressing readiness to expand remote work.

Additionally, 31% of companies have implemented flexible work hours, with potential expansion
possible for 66% of those not currently applying the policy.

The study found that implementing flexible working hours, with a two-hour start window, and remote
work-allowing four to five remote workdays per month for employees in both public and private
sectors-can reduce morning peak travel time across Dubai by 30%.

For example, if 20% of employees work remotely, traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road could decrease by
9.8% and on Al Khail Road by 8.4%. Additionally, flexible working hours alone could reduce traffic
volumes by 5.7% on Sheikh Zayed Road and 5% on Al Khail Road.

Coordination meeting

Mattar Al Tayer, Commissioner General for the Infrastructure, Urban Planning, and Well-Being Pillar
held a coordination meeting with Abdulla Ali Bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of the Dubai
Government Human Resources Department (DGHR).

The meeting reviewed the results of the study aimed at encouraging the private sector to adopt
flexible working hours and remote work policies. This initiative supports the Dubai leadership’s vision
to become the world’s best city to live in by fostering well-being, boosting community happiness, and
reducing traffic density.

This goal can be achieved by ensuring smooth traffic flow and facilitating residents' and visitors’ safe
and seamless access to their destinations.

Five core elements

Mattar Al Tayer highlighted that transport policies form a key component of Dubai’s integrated roads
and transport planning aligned with global best practices in advanced cities.

He said: "RTA relies on a comprehensive and integrated approach to address the mobility and
transport demands stemming from Dubai’s urban and economic growth.

"This strategy rests on five core elements: developing and expanding road networks and facilities;
enhancing public transport routes, infrastructure, services, shared mobility and first and last-mile
solutions; implementing policies and procedures to reduce or redistribute traffic demand across roads
and transport modes; advancing traffic control systems and centres; and ensuring the integration of
these elements at all levels.

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