The residents of Dubai are known for their long working hours, with many individuals working up to 60 hours a week, as per a survey conducted by Khaleej Times. Dr Ahmed, a dentist, is an example of this trend, working full time in Abu Dhabi and also practicing in Dubai on alternate Sundays. This leaves him with limited time for his family, but he ensures to spend quality time with his children on Sundays.
The UAE has been ranked as the world’s second hardest working country, with an average of 50.9 hours worked per week. Despite the demanding work schedules, experts warn that prolonged stress from working long hours can have detrimental effects on one’s physical and mental health. It is important to find a balance between work and personal life to avoid burnout and maintain overall well-being.
While some individuals like Mohammed Noor, a delivery rider, have no choice but to adhere to the long hours in their contracts, others like Mansoor Ali, owner of Ecogreen Contracting and Landscaping, have found ways to delegate responsibilities and work only a few hours a day. Mansoor believes in the power of delegation and prioritizes his personal time for hobbies and education.
According to Dr Gurveen Ranger, a Clinical Psychologist, working long hours can reduce productivity and impact cognitive abilities. Therefore, it is crucial to find a balance and avoid overexertion. Houri Elmayan, a PR professional, experienced the negative effects of working long hours and decided to start her own firm to regain work-life balance. By changing her work hours, she was able to improve her health and personal relationships significantly.
Many individuals work long hours due to ‘Eustress’, a positive form of stress that comes from the excitement of achieving a goal. Monica Mathijs, founder of Monica Mahi Consulting, explains that the feeling of accomplishment at the end of a challenging task can lead individuals to work longer hours willingly. It is important to recognize the signs of overworking and prioritize self-care to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
