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Saudi Arabia considers shortening the working day. Photos/Illustrations
RIYADH – Arab Saudi is currently reviewing the possibility of implementing a three-day weekend to shorten the work week. This was reported by local media citing the Kingdom’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
In response to questions on social media, the ministry’s support Twitter account said it was studying the work system and reviewing the possibility of extending the weekend from two to three days.
Possible changes are being reviewed as part of the ministry’s regular assessments where experts will analyze ways to increase job creation and increase the attractiveness of the job market for local and international investment.
“A draft of the shorter working week has also been sent via the country survey platform for public consultation,” the ministry added.
If implemented, Saudi Arabia will become the second Arab country to implement a shorter work week after the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
On January 1, 2022, the UAE introduced a shorter week and moved its weekend from Friday-Saturday to Saturday-Sunday. Under the new reforms, public sector and school employees work until noon on Fridays.
In Sharjah UAE, employees get a three-day weekend which includes Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
A little over a year after the implementation of the four-day work week in Sharjah, a government study found that there was a 90 percent increase in employee performance, happiness and mental health.
Among employees working shorter weeks, the study found a 90 percent increase in job satisfaction with 84 percent of respondents saying the new reforms helped them achieve work-life balance.
The move to reduce working hours has been hailed globally as the future of work-life balance and increased productivity.
(ian)
