Work-Life Balance in the United Arab Emirates
As I write this, my phone is going crazy. The UAE has just announced that we will have a 4.5 day work week starting January 2022.
The UAE is the first country in the world to introduce a work week shorter than the global five-day week that everyone else follows.
This will align the UAE weekend with Western countries. The weekend will comprise Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday, as opposed to the Friday and Saturday weekend we’ve had up to now.
“The extended weekend comes as part of the UAE government’s efforts to boost work-life balance and enhance social wellbeing, while increasing performance to advance the UAE’s economic competitiveness,” according to the Emirates News Agency.
How Will You Use The Additional Time?
Some people are excited, some are not sure. Whenever there is a significant change in the way we run our lives, we all question, “How will this affect me?”
But the bigger question we should ask is, “How will I spend this extra free time given to me?”
Friday will now be a half day with added flexibility for things like working from home. Of course after work, Friday afternoon, will be a time for prayer for the religious, and many will use it as family time.
But with the option of working from home, or flex time, and a whole additional half day, you may find yourself with more time to do other things that are important to you. Or time to focus on things you’ve “not had time for”.
Do you Finally Have Time To Focus On Your Health?
Not sure how to spend the extra time? I suggest start with your health.
By health, I don’t mean dieting or weight loss. I mean your overall health and wellness. What better time to create a vision for yourself and commit to some goals around it?
The Role of Health Coaches
Not sure what your health goals are? Then maybe it’s a good time to consider working with a health coach to support you.
Or, maybe you want a corporate wellness program to help your employees adapt to this change and take advantage of the extra time they’ve been given.
If you’d like to learn more about coaching, or get some insight about our group coaching program that will start in January, schedule a free health planning call now and let’s talk – no obligations to commit whatsoever.
Not in the UAE? No problem! We can support you no matter where you are!
