Medical experts have highlighted that reducing working hours can significantly improve employees’ overall health. They pointed out that shorter workdays help alleviate work-related stress, allowing individuals more time to relax and spend with their families, which contributes to better mental well-being.
This observation coincides with the conclusion of Dubai’s ‘Our Flexible Summer’ initiative, which reduced work hours to seven at 15 government entities from August 12 to September 30.
Dr. Salman Kareem, a psychiatrist at Aster Royal Clinic, emphasized that shorter working hours have notably enhanced mental health by lowering stress levels and preventing burnout. He added that these changes have led to improved moods, greater job satisfaction, and better sleep quality.
He also noted that the initiative minimized exposure to extreme heat during the summer, reducing the risk of heat-related illnesses and improving overall health. Additionally, it allowed employees more time for family bonding, cutting down the need for external childcare services.
Experts suggest that increased relaxation and family time can further enhance employee well-being and productivity. They also recommend considering further reductions in working hours to explore additional potential benefits.
Reduced Eye Strain
Experts believe that the positive impact of reduced working hours could extend further if implemented more widely. Dr. Marta Calatayud, a consultant ophthalmologist at Barraquer Eye Hospital in Dubai, highlighted the benefit of reduced eye strain. She explained that prolonged screen time can cause digital eye strain, leading to discomfort like dryness and headaches. Limiting screen exposure can provide much-needed relief for the eyes.
“Prolonged screen exposure causes digital eye strain, which presents as dryness, blurred vision, and headaches. By reducing the time spent in front of screens, individuals allow their eyes to rest, reducing strain,” said Dr. Calatayud. She also advocated for regular breaks, such as the 20-20-20 rule (looking 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes), to further minimize eye strain.
Shorter working hours, she noted, also reduce the need for prolonged visual concentration, giving employees more chances to rest their eyes, adjust posture, and maintain better lighting conditions—all of which improve eye health and overall productivity.
Alleviating Chronic Health Issues
Dr. Sarla Kumari, a consultant physician at Canadian Specialist Hospital in Dubai, added that shorter workdays can help alleviate chronic health issues associated with sedentary lifestyles, such as back pain. She explained that extended periods of sitting can lead to mechanical back pain, and individuals with musculoskeletal disorders stand to benefit significantly from reduced working hours.
More Time for Family
Employees have also reported that fewer working hours enhance their physical and mental well-being by allowing more time for family activities and social engagements. Two years ago, Sharjah government departments implemented a three-day weekend, with time off on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. A study presented during the Sharjah Executive Council (SEC) meeting revealed the positive effects of this change, including a 90 percent increase in job performance and 87 percent of employees reporting improvements in mental health.
An Emirati mother of four told, “Working four days in Sharjah has improved my work quality and given me more time with my children. I’ve become more organized in taking vacations and found a better routine in my work.”
She added, “Employee loyalty and commitment have grown, thanks to the government’s efforts to improve our life outside of work.”
In recent years, the UAE has been at the forefront of implementing progressive labor policies. A key initiative that has captured global attention is the introduction of reduced working hours for employees across various sectors. According to experts, this shift is boosting employees’ well-being and enhancing productivity, setting a new standard for work-life balance in the region.
A Shift Towards Work-Life Balance
The UAE government has recognized the growing need for policies that prioritize employee well-being. The reduced working hours initiative, which began with the introduction of a four-and-a-half-day workweek in some sectors, has been met with overwhelming approval from employees and organizations alike.
By allowing employees to work fewer hours while maintaining or increasing efficiency, the UAE is fostering a work culture that values time management and holistic well-being. Employees are no longer stretched thin by excessively long workdays, giving them more time for personal pursuits, family commitments, and mental health care.
The Science Behind Shorter Workdays
Numerous studies have indicated that shorter working hours can lead to higher productivity levels. A well-rested employee is far more efficient and innovative than someone who spends excessive hours at their desk. This concept is supported by the “80/20 rule” or Pareto Principle, which suggests that 80% of results come from 20% of efforts. By focusing on optimal productivity within a limited time frame, employees can achieve more in less time.
Additionally, employees with shorter work hours tend to experience less burnout and stress. This aligns with the UAE’s broader health objectives, including fostering a happier and more mentally fit population, which is a core component of its National Wellbeing Strategy 2031.
Increased Productivity Across Sectors
Experts note that reduced working hours have positively impacted several key industries in the UAE. The technology, finance, and professional services sectors, in particular, have reported increased job satisfaction and improved output following the policy change. Companies have observed that employees are more focused and driven during their working hours, as they are aware that they have limited time to complete their tasks.
Moreover, the policy has led to fewer employee sick days, as well as enhanced team collaboration and creativity. With more energy to devote to their jobs and fewer distractions, workers can channel their efforts into more meaningful contributions, ultimately benefiting their employers.
Boosting the UAE’s Competitiveness
Adopting reduced working hours positions the UAE as a global leader in modern workplace practices. It signals to potential investors, businesses, and employees that the country is forward-thinking and committed to long-term sustainability in its workforce. By prioritizing well-being alongside economic progress, the UAE is creating an attractive environment for global talent and businesses.
The UAE’s decision to reduce working hours is a pioneering step toward creating a more balanced, productive, and healthier workforce. By shifting the focus from quantity to quality of work, the policy not only enhances employee well-being but also positions the UAE as a beacon of modern labor reforms. As more countries watch and learn from the UAE’s model, it is clear that shorter working hours will continue to shape the future of work.
Companies and employees alike stand to benefit from this bold move, which may redefine how we perceive productivity and work-life balance across the globe.