Many people in the UAE are showing their support for shorter work weeks, such as four or five-day work schedules. They believe that working fewer days can help with mental health, productivity, and overall happiness. This idea contrasts with some places like Greece, which recently introduced a six-day work week.
HR professionals, wellness experts, and residents agree that today’s workforce values mental health, the smart use of technology, and genuine connections. They feel that shorter work weeks can make people happier and more focused at work.
Will More Countries Follow?
Recently, radio shows and social media have been buzzing with talks about shorter work weeks. People are wondering if more countries will adopt this trend. Zaid Alhiali, Co-Founder at Marc Ellis, pointed out that different countries have different work habits. What works in one place might not work in another. He believes that shorter work weeks could lead to better job satisfaction and focus, but the challenge will be maintaining productivity.
A study in June 2022 by Gallup found that people working six days a week felt more burned out and less happy. On the other hand, those working five days a week were more engaged and less burned out.
UAE’s Progressive Approach
Girish Hemnani, a life coach in Dubai, praised Sharjah’s move towards a shorter work week, calling it a transformative approach that could set a global trend. He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic changed how we think about work, showing the value of flexibility and remote working. Hemnani also mentioned that AI tools are making workplaces more efficient, giving people more free time.
Gen Z, the new generation entering the workforce, values authenticity, mental health, and using technology smartly. They want meaningful and balanced work lives, focusing on working smarter, not harder.
Challenges of a Six-Day Work Week
Some expatriates in the UAE, like Egyptian PR professional Eman Hussein, said they would not want to live in a country with a six-day work week. She believes the world is moving towards better work-life balance. She mentioned that Sharjah is testing shorter work weeks and that moving to a six-day model might not work well and could even backfire.
Benefits of Shorter Work Weeks
Indian expat Bhavya Rao shared that high stress levels can lower productivity. She believes that shorter work weeks can lead to better mental health and job satisfaction. Studies show that employees are more productive during shorter work weeks because they focus better during work hours. Additionally, fewer commutes can reduce traffic and carbon emissions.
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By Nandini Sircar. Original content published by khaleejtimes.com.