The government sector in Doha, Qatar is set to implement a flexible and remote work system beginning on September 29. This initiative, approved by the State Cabinet, will allow government employees to apply for the remote work system through the Government Resource Planning System known as “Mawared.” By utilizing this system, employees can improve the sustainability of their work environment by balancing their work responsibilities with their family obligations.
Through a few simple steps, beneficiaries can access the Mawared system and apply for remote work. To do so, employees must create a request within the system, indicating the number of days they wish to work remotely and specifying the dates. These applications will then be forwarded to the employee’s director for approval. Qatari mothers working in government agencies with children under the age of 12 can also apply for remote work by adding their family data and uploading their child’s certificate.
The flexible working system will consist of seven hours a day, from 7am to 2pm, with employees permitted to report between 6:30am and 8:30am. This system allows employees to fulfill their official working hours without impacting their job requirements. Additionally, employees who are entitled to reduced working hours due to disability, medical reasons, or breastfeeding may arrive at work late in proportion to the hours they are entitled to, as long as they complete their designated working hours.
In order to ensure the smooth implementation of the remote work system, the head of each government agency has the authority to grant permission for up to 30% of the total number of employees in their administrative unit to work remotely. Employees will be allowed to work remotely for a duration of one week annually, with Qatari female employees who have children under the age of 12 permitted to work remotely for one month annually. However, shift workers and employees whose work conditions conflict with the flexible work system are exempt from this policy.
The approval of the flexible work system and remote work system by the Cabinet on September 4, 2024, is part of a broader proposal put forth by the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau. This proposal aims to implement systems that align with the needs of government competencies, while also upholding work requirements. Ultimately, these initiatives are in line with Qatar’s National Vision 2030 and the 3rd National Development Strategy 2024-2030, highlighting a commitment to modernize and adapt to the changing needs of the workforce in the government sector.
