Home Jobs UAE Private Companies Adopt Flexible Working Hours for Parents Amid Back-to-School Rush

UAE Private Companies Adopt Flexible Working Hours for Parents Amid Back-to-School Rush

Although the initiative does not extend to private companies, some firms in the sector are introducing flexible schedules for employees with school-aged children.

by Soofiya

Working parents in the UAE have already prepared for the first day of school next week, with some notifying their employers that they will be arriving late.

On Thursday, authorities announced a back-to-school policy offering flexible hours for certain government employees. While this policy does not extend to private companies, some firms in the private sector are implementing alternative schedules to support employees with school-going children.

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Though the scheme doesn’t officially cover private companies, some businesses in the private sector are also offering flexible hours to their employees.

Huda A., an Emirati mother working at a real estate company, was able to request flexible hours from her supervisor. “But I have to make up for the time I spend away from work,” she explained.

“I have two daughters attending different schools, and I need to drop them off. They’ll take the bus home in the afternoon,” she added.

Winnie Agat, an Indian father, has already informed his employer that he will be starting work later than usual.

“I need to drop off my daughter at 7:30 a.m., but my work starts at 8 a.m., so it’s manageable. The challenge is with my son, who is in kindergarten. Parents need to stay in the classroom for an hour and a half. After that, I’ll need to drop him home before heading to work, which will take about three hours,” he explained.

Some parents have to make additional adjustments, especially when they have multiple children starting school on different days.

Maryam H., an Emirati working in the private sector, said: “I have two daughters starting on different days this week. One starts on Monday, and the other on Wednesday. I spoke with my manager and will come into the office late on Wednesday after dropping off my daughter.”

She continued: “My husband works for a local government in Dubai and has flexible hours, so he’ll take our daughter to school on Monday. This way, we don’t have to take leave.”

The back-to-school season can be a challenging time for parents, balancing the demands of work with the need to prepare their children for the new academic year. Recognizing these challenges, some private firms in the UAE are taking a progressive step by allowing flexible work hours for parents. This initiative aims to ease the stress on working parents and help them manage their responsibilities more effectively. Here’s how these policies are making a positive impact.

The Growing Need for Flexibility

The UAE, known for its dynamic and diverse workforce, has a significant number of working parents. With the start of a new school year, parents often find themselves juggling between school runs, parent-teacher meetings, and shopping for school supplies, on top of their regular work commitments. This balancing act can be overwhelming, affecting both personal well-being and productivity at work. By offering flexible work hours, companies provide parents the necessary time to manage these responsibilities without compromising their work obligations.

Benefits for Employees

Flexible work hours during the back-to-school rush offer numerous advantages for employees. Parents can adjust their schedules to accommodate school drop-offs and pick-ups, attend important school events, or simply have a more relaxed morning routine. This flexibility can reduce stress levels, leading to improved mental health and overall job satisfaction. When employees feel supported by their employers, it boosts morale and fosters a sense of loyalty and commitment to the organization.

Positive Impact on Productivity

Contrary to the misconception that flexible work hours may lead to reduced productivity, studies have shown the opposite effect. When employees are less stressed and can manage their personal lives effectively, they tend to be more focused and efficient during their work hours. By allowing parents the flexibility to attend to their family needs, companies can actually enhance productivity and foster a more motivated and engaged workforce.

Strengthening Employer-Employee Relations

Employers who implement flexible work policies demonstrate a genuine understanding of their employees’ needs. This builds a strong sense of trust and respect between employers and employees. In the long run, such policies contribute to a positive company culture, where employees feel valued and are more likely to remain with the company. It also positions the company as a desirable workplace, attracting top talent who value work-life balance.

Flexibility as a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiative

By adopting flexible work hours, companies in the UAE are not only supporting their employees but are also contributing to the broader community. These initiatives can be seen as part of a company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, demonstrating a commitment to the well-being of employees and their families. It aligns with the UAE’s vision of promoting family values and work-life balance.

Practical Implementation

Companies can implement flexible work hours through various methods, such as staggered start and end times, remote work options, or compressed workweeks. It is essential to communicate these policies clearly to all employees, ensuring that everyone understands how they can benefit and what is expected of them. Managers should be trained to handle flexible work arrangements and support their team members during the transition.

The back-to-school season doesn’t have to be a stressful period for working parents. By embracing flexible work hours, UAE private firms are setting a commendable example of how businesses can support their employees in balancing work and family responsibilities. This approach not only benefits the employees but also contributes to a more productive, loyal, and engaged workforce. As more companies adopt such progressive policies, the UAE is well on its way to becoming a leader in promoting work-life balance and employee well-being.

‘I Won’t Miss This Milestone Moment’

For Emirati mother Haleema Abdulla, taking her children to school on the first day of the academic year is significant, as it can set the tone for their entire day. It is a “milestone moment” she does not want to miss. When the authorities announced the flexible-work policy for government employees, she was grateful.

“I have two children attending two different schools. The three-hour period is a big help, as it gives me extra time to drop off my first-grade daughter and help her feel comfortable,” said Haleema, who works at the Ministry of Education.

The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has granted public sector employees flexible work hours on the first day of school to accommodate picking up and dropping off their children.

This policy will also apply to important events throughout the school year, such as parent-teacher meetings and graduation ceremonies. The period of flexibility will not exceed three hours and can be taken at once or divided into morning and evening periods. Employees with children in nursery and kindergarten can avail themselves of this flexibility throughout the entire first week of the academic year.

Hussain Mohammed, who works for a local government organization in Dubai, already has his day planned out.

“I always take my daughter to school on her first day since she is my only child, and I want to support her. I’m not worried because my workplace gives me nine hours of leave each month,” he said.

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