Flexibility crucial for UAE employees during Ramadan, say businesses.

Photo-Curly Tales

As Ramadan commenced in the UAE, private companies swiftly implemented revised working hours to accommodate the spiritual observances of their employees. Following the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation's mandate of a two-hour reduction in daily working hours across all private sector industries during Ramadan, businesses promptly adjusted their schedules. Concurrently, public-sector entities also adopted shorter working hours, with ministries and federal agencies operating from 9am to 2.30pm on weekdays and until noon on Fridays. However, the specifics of implementing these adjustments varied from company to company, with flexibility being the cornerstone of the transition.

The Ministry emphasized the importance of tailoring working hours to suit the unique demands and nature of each business. Consequently, private enterprises were granted leeway in adopting flexible or remote work arrangements within the confines of the stipulated daily working hours during Ramadan. This flexibility proved pivotal in ensuring a smooth transition to the new working hours, with several human resources teams underscoring its significance in accommodating employees' religious obligations and personal circumstances.

One such example is Acer Middle East & Africa, a technology company based in Jebel Ali, which opted for six-hour working days for all employees during Ramadan. Emphasizing inclusivity, Acer allowed fasting employees to schedule their working hours according to their individual requirements, thereby facilitating the observance of Ramadan rituals without undue stress. Moreover, the company extended this flexibility to non-fasting employees, enabling them to adjust their work hours to accommodate breaks without disrupting their Muslim colleagues.

Similarly, TishTash, a marketing and public relations agency in Dubai, implemented a two-shift system to cater to diverse lifestyles and family obligations among its workforce. Employees were given the option to choose between two working shifts, ensuring flexibility and accommodating varying school hours and personal commitments. Founder and CEO Natasha Hatherall highlighted the importance of tailoring working arrangements to meet individual needs, underscoring the agency's commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Meanwhile, SLS Dubai, a prominent five-star hotel in Downtown Dubai, implemented tailored adjustments to align with the reduced working hours mandated for Ramadan. While non-fasting employees enjoyed a standard reduction of two hours, fasting colleagues benefitted from additional reductions, particularly those working morning shifts prior to iftar. The hotel's commitment to accommodating employees' religious practices was evident in its approach to overtime, ensuring fair compensation and prioritizing work-life balance during the holy month.

For classifieds website Dubizzle, the onset of Ramadan signaled heightened activity, particularly in its automotive segment, Dubizzle Cars. Despite the increased workload, the company remained mindful of employees' spiritual obligations, striking a delicate balance between business productivity and religious observance. Director of HR Suzanne Gandy emphasized the importance of maintaining a considerate and supportive workplace culture, where employees' spiritual journeys are respected and prioritized alongside business objectives.

While the law mandates compensation for extra hours worked during Ramadan, financial advisor Keren Bobker cautioned against employers disregarding this requirement. Employees were encouraged to assert their rights and seek redress through official channels if necessary, underscoring the importance of adherence to labor regulations. With Ramadan serving as a period of spiritual reflection and community bonding, businesses across the UAE demonstrated their commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive work environments, where employees' religious and personal needs are accommodated with sensitivity and respect.