UAE announces new "Back to School" programme for Government Employees
A new back-to-school policy has been implemented for federal government employees by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources in the UAE in an effort to foster work-life balance and improve the well being of its workforce.
The key highlights of the policy include:
The policy, approved by the UAE Cabinet, aims to provide flexibility to parents who are federal government employees during the new school year.
First School Day Flexibility (Elementary Level and Above):
- On the first day of school, parents of federal government employees are allowed flexible attendance and leave timings so they can be with their children.
- On the first school day, the flexibility period can last no more than three hours in total.
- It is taken into account that school days can start at different times.
First Week Flexibility for Nursery and Kindergarten Parents:
During the first week of the school year, parents with children in nurseries or kindergartens are allowed flexible working hours to facilitate dropping off and picking up their children.
The total duration of leaving work for child-related activities should not exceed 3 hours per day.
Flexibility for Other School-Related Occasions:
- For a variety of school-related activities, employees may be permitted to take a maximum of three hours off work:
- Being present at parent-teacher conferences held at their kids' schools.
- Attending graduation ceremonies, events, and other educational-related activities with their kids.
The policy aims to ensure that parents can actively engage in their children's educational activities without compromising their work commitments. This approach aligns with the UAE government's ongoing efforts to promote employee well-being, job satisfaction, and happiness.
By providing federal government employees with the flexibility to manage their work schedules in harmony with their children's school routines, the UAE government demonstrates its commitment to fostering a supportive and balanced work environment for its workforce. This innovative policy sets a positive example for promoting work-life integration and underscores the UAE's dedication to its employees' overall welfare.
