Flexible working = increased productivity

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has recognised that customer and employee needs are changing within the region and wants government departments to find an ideal working environment, to compliment these changes.

To honor his request, the Dubai Executive Council (DEC) is urging these departments to adopt a flexible working concept.

In a press release issued last month, DEC said flexible working will raise performance levels and increase staff productivity, something Mohammed Hasan Middiqui, manager of facility systems, e-Facility Management agrees with. "It's a great idea. Flexible hours will lead to higher employee satisfaction, hence higher productivity."

Dubai Municipality is trialing the flexible hours concept by introducing staggered hours. But there are many other aspects to flexible working, for example, part-time working, flexi-time, job-sharing and home working. However, companies in the region seem reluctant to implement this international working practice and employees who request flexible hours, sometimes being seen as non-committed.

If rolled out to the rest of the working population, the introduction of flexible working will have a large impact on the facilities management sector for two reasons.

From a personal point of view, staff may want to choose the hours they work. From a service delivery point of view, customers may be offered longer opening hours which could result in a better service.

According to businesslink.gov.uk (a website dedicated to providing practical advice for business), flexible working has a positive impact on a company's bottom line.

FM companies could benefit from savings on overheads if employees work remotely, reducing the need for a workstation per employee. They could also be seen as a more attractive employer, enticing potential employees and retaining current staff.

Companies able to provide longer service hours will be able to react to changing market conditions more effectively.

There is also a very valid argument against flexible working in FM. With many companies in the region paying for lower level employee accommodation, travel and catering, flexible working could well increase transportation and catering costs.

The question is, will the implementation of flexible working introduce a profitable return on investment?

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Flexi working hours
Posted by Nishoo Ghosh, Dubai on Sunday 3 February 2008 at 12:01 UAE time

Traffic being a nightmare..it's a wise decision for all not just women. I am in marketing and my job is 80% on desk, phone or email. I think i can spend more time working and being creative if I do not spend 3 productive hours of the day driving on the road. This is a great work culture in Europe and other countries..most of my counterparts in vendors are working from home.

Flexible Working Hours
Posted by Josephine, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Sunday 3 February 2008 at 09:05 UAE time

Sometimes I work flexible working hours. It is not a problem for me because the requirements i.e. computer I need to complete my work are available at home. It is satisfying and resultsmin a better output because you have to present your output to the management at the end of the day. It has less pressure rather than sitting in the office 10 hours a day. I think I have the same view as the others who are working in the same situation.

Flexi working Hours
Posted by Juleka, Dubai, UAE on Sunday 3 February 2008 at 08:20 UAE time

I do agree with Reshma. It is well known that female staff are more dedicated to work...but it is more difficult whern the first become a mother. Having given birth recently, I find my concentration in work is more distracted. Getting late to work and thinking of an early return to home often reduces productivity. In case of flexi hours, this could be avoided. When we can work flexi hours or at home, we feel grateful to the employer since he enable us to support the family financially and also time to spend with our kids. This relaxed atmosphere will enable more productivity and dedication towards work and the company.

Flexi working hours
Posted by Reshma Tahiliani, Dubai, India on Friday 1 February 2008 at 22:50 UAE time

I have been working flexi timings with my PR firm for over two years now and I find it suits my soul as I can provide prime time to my children when they are home from school. I sometimes work late into the night or in the early hours of dawn when they have left for school. I have found that I still add value to my company. Job-sharing too could be very beneficial for countless mothers who can then tend to their families and yet earn some income and financial independence. My sister in law works at a senior post in IBM in Australia and has been job sharing for quite a few years. In return the company has secured a stable staff who will not leave her job due to its benefits.

The UAE needs to provide such opportunities for mothers especially. The Dubai Executive Council is progressive in its thoughts and vision and I hope they heed this call from the community. Another benefit it could bring to Dubai is the lessening of the traffic especially during peak hours. And if one can work happily from home, one is free from office politics and is happy to provide her best to the family!

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