Is UAE 4-day work week here to stay?

The success of the four-day work week in Sharjah government departments could open a new phase of living and employment after the pandemic, according to a UAE-based newspaper. The UAE officially switched to a Saturday-Sunday weekend beginning on January 1. UAE federal government employees work full days from Monday to Thursday, and a half day on Friday. In Sharjah, however, government employees only work from Monday to Thursday. “The increasing virtual nature of jobs and the introduction of the Saturday-Sunday weekend prompted the emirate to cut work days and the positive results are an eye-opener of sorts," according to Khaleej Times in a recent editorial. The move has reportedly helped boost businesses in the emirate, with more people going out and eating out. "At the personal level, employees of government entities have struck a work-life balance that’s keeping both employers and families happy. The workforce is upbeat overall and Sharjah’s initiative could be a shape of things to come," the newspaper pointed out. But is the four-day work week good for the economy in the long term? According to Khaleej Times, “It's up to staff and employers to make this work in the long term as they push for profits and the revival of the economy as a whole." The newspaper pointed out that the pandemic has opened a digital work experience, flexible hours and hybrid work models that are now considered normal. “Many have since embraced the digital work experience and are reluctant to return to work at the office for health reasons,” according to the newspaper. However, with coronavirus cases going down globally, companies are asking staff to return to offices as they foresee a recession. Around the world, countries that have adopted a four-day work week include Iceland, Belgium, Spain, Ireland, Scotland, and Japan. The UK is the latest to trial a four-day working week where 3,300 employees will participate for six months. ICA/WAM/Expat Media ALSO READ: UAE switches to Saturday-Sunday weekend
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