Navigating Extended Work Hours in UAE Culture
Workplace Pressure: Extended Hours in UAE Culture
A recent survey on the work culture in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has highlighted that a significant number of employees feel pressured to work overtime regularly. The survey, which involved over 2,700 professionals from various industries such as technology, finance, marketing, healthcare, and construction, revealed that extra hours are often expected, particularly in highly competitive sectors.
Personal Experience: The Downsides of Extra Hours
An Indian professional who began his career in the construction industry shared his experiences on this topic. At his first job, 12-14 hour workdays became the norm. He described it as a kind of 'glorified lifestyle,' where the focus wasn't on what was accomplished, but rather how much time was spent working.
"Even during Ramadan, I was expected to work long hours," he recalled. "I lived in Ajman with my parents while my office was in Dubai. There were times I went home to Ajman for iftar, then had to drive back to Dubai to complete some unimportant tasks."
Cultural Norm of Long Working Hours
In many sectors across the UAE, long working hours and constant availability have become common norms. The ambitious projects, strong workplace competition, and tight deadlines lead many employees to feel as though they have no choice but to adapt to these expectations. This is particularly prevalent in industries like construction or technology, where rapid company growth often relies on the dedicated efforts of employees.
The Impact: Physical and Mental Exhaustion
The long working hours negatively affect many workers. The stress of extra hours often leads to burnout, health issues, and decreased productivity. Many employees complain that maintaining a work-life balance becomes almost impossible.
According to an international HR consultant, such expectations negatively affect not only employee health in the long term but also the reputation of companies. Companies that fail to provide a supportive work environment struggle to retain talent.
Changes in Workplace Culture
In recent years, more companies in the UAE are recognizing the importance of work-life balance. Some organizations have introduced flexible working hours, remote work opportunities, and mental health support to improve employee well-being. Such initiatives are particularly important for younger generations, who place greater emphasis on healthy workplace culture.
Conclusion
The expectation of extra work hours is a characteristic of the UAE's work culture, posing significant challenges for many employees. While long hours may contribute to short-term company success, employee health and satisfaction are crucial for sustainable growth in the long term. As more companies take steps to foster a positive workplace culture, there is hope that UAE workplaces will become more attractive to talented professionals.
