Numerous companies in Dubai are now providing flexible work hours to their employees, allowing them to work from home and encouraging carpooling to mitigate traffic during peak hours. Some private companies in Dubai permit staff to work eight-hour shifts at any time of the day to save time and avoid traffic congestion. This initiative aligns with Dubai's goal to expand its flexible working hours and remote work policies across the emirate to alleviate traffic. Studies by Dubai authorities indicate that implementing flexible working hours and remote work can decrease morning peak travel time in Dubai by 30 percent.
"Working in the IT sector grants me the flexibility to work from home, a benefit that is particularly valuable since my employer is based in the US. This arrangement requires me to adjust my schedule to match US time zones, often resulting in extended work hours into the night. While this can be demanding, the flexibility also offers a unique chance to be present for my family," said Mainak Sengupta.
"We offer the option of flexible work from home. The start and end times in the office are also flexible, allowing employees to travel outside of peak times," said Oliver Kowalski, managing director of Hays Middle East. Kowalski added that if traffic worsens due to heavy rain, the company will extend its flexible work offer to employees.
Vivek Arora, managing director of SHRM Mena, stated that they have adopted various measures to help employees avoid traffic, including flexible work hours, allowing eight-hour shifts anytime between 8am and 6.30pm, and a hybrid working option for non-essential roles, where employees work four days from the office and one day from home. He also mentioned that they encourage carpooling within legal limits.
As traffic has surged dramatically due to Dubai and the UAE's population growth over recent years, Vivek Arora noted that employees are spending nearly double the time on roads compared to 2021-22. "This is negatively impacting their work-life balance and mental health," he said. Oliver Kowalski added that prolonged time spent in traffic affects work-life balance, leading to stress and potential long-term health issues. "It also leaves less time for family and hobbies," he said, emphasizing that they ensure employees have parking near the office and that the office is near a train station for public transport use.
Mainak Sengupta highlighted that one of the biggest advantages of flexible working hours is the quality time he gets to spend with his daughter. "My wife is also a busy professional, so my ability to be home during the day is a big help. For example, when my daughter returns from school, I can pick her up from the bus stop. This small but meaningful moment allows us to connect before I return to work. Additionally, I can manage household tasks and ensure everything runs smoothly, which is a relief for my wife with her hectic schedule," he said.
Vivek Arora suggested several measures to ease traffic, including subsidizing school transport, capping vehicle ownership per family, imposing higher registration and insurance charges for additional family cars, encouraging odd-even number plate usage on roads, and improving public transport frequency and connectivity.
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