Flexible work rule at labour ministry

New system being implemented from February 3 will allow employees a choice of working hours

The Ministry of Labour will start implementing flexible working hours for its employees from February 3. The system will cover employees at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi and Dubai as well as its offices in the rest of the emirates.

This follows a decision taken by Minister of Labour Saqr Gobash Saeed Gobash.

According to the new system, employees can start work between 7am and 9am — except customer service employees at labour offices and inspection sections — and end work after seven hours. The working week starts on Sunday and ends on Thursday.

During Ramadan, employees will start work between 8am and 9.30am and end after 5 hours.

The decision also tasked the ministry’s heads of sections with pre- coordinating with employees to ensure a smooth workflow.

Customer service employees will now work in three shifts — 7am to 2pm, 10am to 5pm and noon to 7pm. Customer service sections will be operational from 8am to 7pm from Sunday to Thursday.

Saif Al Suwaidi, Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of Labour, said the decision to introduce flexible working hours follows studies on workflow and attendance.

Al Suwaidi hoped the new system will create a stimulating work environment for employees and ensure higher productivity and greater satisfaction among customers.

The ministry employs around 1,120 people with an emiratisation level of 98 per cent.