The Banking Executive Magazine - March 2023 Issue

Career Chronicle Sharjah’s shorter workweek has paid rich dividends, with employees re- porting an 88 per cent increase in productivity and a 90 per cent rise in job satisfaction. The move has also left happier customers, with a satis- faction rate of 94 per cent. Sharjah government departments switched to a three-day weekend in January last year, with employees getting Fridays, Saturdays and Sun- days off. An official evaluation of the new work system found a 74 per cent in- crease in the attendance rate, while sick leave rates decreased by 46 per cent. Authorities also noted a 61 per cent rise in the rate of providing e- government services outside official working hours. The study found a 90 per cent im- provement in job performance, with 91 per cent of employees saying they felt happy after the government im- plemented the new system. About 87 per cent noted the move had a posi- tive impact on mental health. Nearly 85 per cent said the system helps them strike a balance between work and family life, while 96 per cent said they enjoyed their 3-day week- end more. There has been a 70 per cent in- crease in participation in social events, while 62 per cent of employ- ees said they used the extra time for exercise and hobbies. About 59 per cent are pursuing private commercial projects, while 52 per cent are look- ing to complete their education. About 93 per cent of government de- partment customers said the staff met their needs. Eighty-five per cent of re- spondents hailed the speed of re- sponse to requests. The study's results were presented during a meeting of the Sharjah Ex- ecutive Council (SEC). Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah chaired the meeting. ISSUE 171 MARCH 2023 the BANKING EXECUTIVE 43 SHARJAH SHORTER WORKWEEK: 3-DAY WEEKEND A SUCCESS; 88% INCREASE IN PRODUCTIVITY