A new study shows the UAE's four-and-a-half-day work week is making employees happier. But many workers say their days feel more rushed.
The study found that 70.9% of workers felt more motivated under the shorter schedule. Also, 73.6% said their work-life balance had improved. More than eight in ten employees said they would rather keep the shorter week than return to the old five-day routine.
But the change isn't free of problems. About 37% of employees said their workdays had become more stressful. The reason is simple: Most people still have the same amount of work to finish. They just have less time to do it. Researchers say the shorter week doesn't cut workloads. It just squeezes them into fewer hours.
The study was published in the International Social Science Journal. Professor Linda Smail of Zayed University led the research. Dr. Mouawiya Al Awad worked with her on it. They surveyed 155 employees. Most of these workers came from the public sector and education. Because of this, the results don't fully represent every worker in the UAE.
The UAE government introduced the four-and-a-half-day work week in 2022. Employees work Monday through Thursday, with a half-day on Friday. Sharjah went further. It moved to a full four-day week.
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Private companies have had different experiences. TishTash Group, based in Dubai, said the shorter week has helped it keep staff longer. It has also improved focus and performance since 2021. Other businesses haven't been as lucky. Some ended their shorter-week trials. Customers still expected support five days a week.
Experts say the shorter work week only pays off when companies manage workloads the right way. Automating routine tasks can free up time. Flexible hours can also help businesses that need to serve customers all day long.
Overall, a shorter work week can boost how satisfied employees feel. But its success still comes down to how well companies handle workloads, staffing, and daily operations.