Dubai's remote & flexibile work options boost job satisfaction, productivity & eases traffic

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and the Dubai Government Human Resources (DGHR) Department recently shared the findings of two surveys on remote work and flexible hours.

The first survey, which involved 644 companies with over 320,000 employees revealed some interesting insights:

Remote work trends: According to statistics, 80 per cent of government entities offer employees the option to work remotely two days a week. The results showed that 32 per cent of private companies have already implemented remote work policies, and another 58 per cent are open to expanding remote work options. 

Flexibility is the key to job satisfaction and productivity: According to the survey 31 per cent of private companies have flexible working hours in place, with 66 per cent of those without the policy expressing interest in adopting it. Interestingly, in the public sector 87 per cent of employees stated that flexible hours meet their personal needs, and 89.4 per cent felt that flexible hours boost their productivity.

The second survey, which surveyed 12,000 private sector employees found interesting information on how the remote and flexible working options have helped Dubai’s traffic situation.

Easing the traffic congestion -  Reportedly, implementing flexible working hours, with a two-hour start window, and remote work – with at least four to five remote workdays per month for employees in both public and private sectors – can reduce morning peak travel time across Dubai by 30 per cent. For example, if 20 per cent of employees work remotely, traffic on major roads like Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road could drop by up to 9.8 per cent and 8.4 per cent, respectively. Additionally, just flexible hours alone could cut traffic by 5.7 per cent on Sheikh Zayed Road and 5 per cent on Al Khail Road.

The Crown Prince of Dubai, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has approved Dubai’s Traffic Flow Plan, which is designed to strike a balance between business productivity, quality of life, and east traffic woes. Both the public and private sectors are being encouraged to adopt flexible working hours and remote work practices to help reduce traffic congestion, as well as, enhance overall quality of life and the well-being of the community. The remote work system, in place since 2020, has become an integral part of the corporate culture.

Mattar Al Tayer, Commissioner General for Infrastructure, Urban Planning, and Well-Being, held a meeting with Abdulla Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director-General of DGHR, to discuss the study's findings. The goal is to encourage the private sector to adopt these flexible work policies, supporting the broader vision to make Dubai the best city to live in by enhancing well-being and reducing traffic. He explained, “RTA relies on a comprehensive and integrated approach to address the mobility and transport demands stemming from Dubai’s urban and economic growth. Our strategy includes expanding road networks, improving public transport, and introducing measures like remote work and flexible hours to balance demand across transport systems.”

He also encouraged employees to prefer car pooling and public transport on the work from office days as sustainable transport options, reducing traffic congestion and pollution. 

Abdulla Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director-General of the Dubai Government Human Resources (DGHR) Department, added, “DGHR is committed to advancing the current remote work system and introducing tools, policies, and programmes that ensure employee happiness and well-being. This aligns with Dubai’s vision of becoming the world’s best city for work and life, driven by leadership that prioritises holistic human development. The survey results offer insights into Dubai’s pioneering, innovative, and flexible model as a leading hub for talent and expertise, reinforcing the emirate’s continuous efforts to provide a world-class work environment characterised by flexibility and efficiency. The findings underline Dubai’s adaptability to challenges, reflecting the synergy of the public and private sectors in establishing this model by adopting the latest innovative practices in flexible work systems, underscoring Dubai’s readiness for future transformations,” 

He also commended Dubai's government for adopting remote work and flexible hours policies. Some private companies let employees choose a few remote workdays each year, while others allow flexible start times between 6:30 and 8:30 AM to ease commuting during rush hours. These initiatives, embraced by both government and private sectors, help create a supportive work environment that boosts employee comfort, improves quality of life, and contributes to the well-being of the community.

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In May 2024, Dubai’s RTA asked private sector employees to take part in surveys about traffic patterns, focusing on how flexible work hours and remote work affect congestion. Participants were asked to share details like their working days, daily hours, and whether their organisation offers remote work. They were also encouraged to suggest ideas like four-day workweeks, compressed schedules, or extended weekends that companies could adopt.  

Meanwhile, DGHR is working to enhance work-life balance for employees. In August, they ran a short trial of a four-day workweek with reduced seven-hour workdays and Fridays off. The initiative aims to boost employee performance and well-being while maintaining government office productivity. It also helps cut energy consumption in government departments, giving employees more time for leisure without compromising efficiency.