UAE Cabinet Introduces Three-Day Weekend (Optional For Federal Government Employees)

In a significant development aimed at promoting work-life balance and optimizing human resource management, the UAE Cabinet has introduced a new resolution allowing employees to opt for a three-day weekend by working 10 hours a day. This progressive move, which takes effect on July 1,2023 ?marks a transformative step towards enhancing the well-being of federal government employees. The modifications to the workweek align with the objectives outlined in the ‘We the UAE 2031 Vision’, enabling flexible working arrangements within the country and internationally

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The UAE Cabinet's Resolution No. 48 of 2023 establishes the executive regulations for Federal Decree-Law No. 49 of 2022, focusing on human resources in the federal government. These regulations lay out various work patterns that offer flexibility and adaptability to meet the evolving needs of the modern workplace. The overarching goal is to create a forward-thinking model for human resource management while bolstering government competencies.

To qualify for the extended weekend, government workers must fulfill a weekly workload of 40 hours, ensuring that their daily working hours do not exceed 10 hours a day.

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The UAE government made a change last year, adopting a schedule where employees work until noon on Fridays, with flexible hours and the possibility of working from home on that day.Sharjah took it a step further by implementing a three-day workweek starting in January 2022, granting employees Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays as their designated days off. It is improbable for there to be an official announcement altering the working days of the private sector in the UAE since private companies are not obliged to adhere to government working hours.

?Creating Stimulating Work Environment

The newly implemented Human Resources law is designed to cultivate enabling work environments for government employees, equipping them to navigate the dynamic changes of the contemporary workplace. The law prioritizes legislative flexibility, enabling continuous updates to regulations and policies to address the evolving demands of government. This approach ensures that government employees are equipped with the necessary resources and support to thrive in their roles.

The Compressed Work Week Model

According to Article 2 of the executive regulations, employees who choose to work 10 hours a day for four working days will be entitled to a three-day weekend. This innovative work model, referred to as the "compressed work week," allows employees to concentrate their working hours while enjoying an extended weekend. The primary objective is to promote efficiency and productivity by aligning work schedules with employees' personal commitments and overall well-being. Cabinet Resolution No. 48 of 2023 introduces five distinct work models for federal government employees.

1.?????Office-based work: Employees perform their duties from their employer's main office or designated branches or locations.

2.?????Remote work in the United Arab Emirates: Employees carry out their tasks from a location outside the employer's office or headquarters, as long as it is within the UAE and complies with the relevant regulations.

3.?????Remote work outside the United Arab Emirates: Employees may be required to fulfill their work responsibilities from a location outside the country.

4.?????Hybrid work: This model combines office-based work and remote work, allowing employees to benefit from the advantages of both approaches.

5.?????Compressed working week: Under specific circumstances, employees can work longer hours within fewer working days to fulfill their required hours. In this model, UAE employees work a maximum of 10 hours per day for four days, granting them a three-day weekend.

Flexible Work Arrangements

The executive regulations also outline part-time working hours, ranging from a minimum of 8 hours to a maximum of 32 hours per week. Furthermore, employees have the flexibility to choose to work a minimum of one day to a maximum of four days per week. These provisions accommodate diverse scheduling needs and enable employees to strike a balance between work and personal life.The implementation of the new Human Resources law in the UAE signifies a commitment to enhancing operational efficiency in government agencies. By introducing flexible working models, the government aims to foster a more productive and engaged workforce, capable of meeting evolving challenges.

The UAE Cabinet's resolution to introduce a three-day weekend option for federal government employees through the compressed working week model represents a progressive step towards achieving work-life balance and optimizing human resource management. By prioritizing employee well-being and offering flexible work arrangements, the UAE government is fostering an environment where employees can thrive personally and professionally. This landmark decision sets a precedent for other organizations to follow, recognizing the value of providing employees with greater flexibility and a healthier work-life.