Dubai's residents call for flexible work hours as Salik, parking fees go up next year

Calls for flexible working hours are getting stronger as tariffs for Salik and parking are set to increase in Dubai next year. Remote work would not only help reduce road congestion but also translate to some savings for employees, and more quality time with their families.

Last month, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and the Dubai Government Human Resources (DGHR) released encouraging results of the two surveys they conducted early this year on flexible working hours.

About 87 per cent of Dubai Government employees feel that flexible working hours align with their personal needs, while 89.4 per cent agree that these hours enhance their productivity. The survey also shows that 80.4 per cent believe their productivity while working remotely matches that in the office, with 90 per cent reporting no issues with communication or connectivity with colleagues or managers.

The results of the two surveys indicate that 32 per cent of private firms currently implement remote work, while 58 per cent are ready to expand these policies.

With regards to reducing road congestion, the authorities said “implementing flexible working hours, with a two-hour start window, and remote work — allowing four to five such workdays per month — can reduce morning peak travel time across Dubai by 30 per cent".

Both the public and private sectors are encouraged to adopt these practices to reduce traffic congestion and balance business productivity with quality of life, the RTA and the DGHR said.