In alignment with the ‘Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033,’ which seeks to improve residents' well-being and establish Dubai as a leading global destination for work and settlement, the Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) has announced the pilot launch of the ‘Our Flexible Summer’ initiative. This new program aims to reduce working hours for employees in participating government entities during the summer, promoting a better work-life balance.
By adjusting work hours, the DGHR's program aims to support government employees’ well-being and overall job satisfaction while addressing the diverse needs of various government entities.
In the pilot phase, 15 government entities will participate in the initiative, which aims to improve workplace flexibility by reducing working hours to seven hours per day and suspending work on Fridays.
The initiative will run from 12 August 2024 to 30 September 30 2024, focusing on enhancing employee well-being by improving their social life and workplace safety during the summer, ultimately fostering a better work-life balance.
His Excellency Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of DGHR Department, said: “We are thrilled to announce that DGHR will be launching the ‘Our Flexible Summer’ initiative, in line with our long-standing efforts to nurture a flexible work environment that promotes the work-life balance of government employees, by best international practices. The launch will also further our vision to empower human resources by developing smart solutions and innovative policies to uplift Dubai’s competitiveness."
How Will This Help
To prepare for the launch, DGHR surveyed to measure the opinions of various government entities on reducing working hours during the summer. The initiative aims to allow employees more leisure time after work and to lower energy consumption within government departments. The survey received strong support, reflecting a willingness to embrace changes that enhance work-life balance and employee well-being.
DGHR will provide participating government entities with the necessary resources to gather feedback on the initiative's impact on employees and productivity. The department will regularly review this feedback to produce a final report, detailing the initiative's outcomes, recommendations, and adaptability across different government entities.