More than half (53 percent) of UAE-based professionals say they have switched to the country’s new working week with a large majority saying it has had a positive impact on their well-being.
The UAE moved its weekend from Friday-Saturday to Saturday-Sunday last month in a major shift designed to align business with western makers and improve work-life balance.
It also offered companies the opportunity to cut its working week to four and a half days, with an early finish on Friday.
According to new research carried out by PRCA MENA and 3Gem Research & Insights, seven out of out of 10 professionals said they feel they work more efficiently within a four and a half day working week.
The study – based on the views of 1,000 people in the UAE – revealed 53 percent of UAE workers have now transitioned to a 4.5 working day week.
The research also found that 91 percent of respondents believed the new working week would have a positive impact on employees’ mental well-being.
Darren Ryan, global creative director 3Gem Research & Insights, said: “The findings of our survey are really encouraging to see. Any major change on this scale is bound to have its challenges and initial teething problems. However, the evidence is clear that a shorter working week has so far had a positive effect.
“People are working more efficiently and it’s proving to have a positive effect on their mental well-being. That’s great news for employers to hear too.”
He added: “This positive outcome is in line with what the UAE government was hoping. A solution that would boost work-life balance and enhance social well-being, while at the same time increase performance to improve the UAE’s economic competitiveness with the rest of the world.”
This survey of 1,000 people (over 18) was carried out in the UAE between January 27-31.
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