The decision by the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau (CGB) to implement a flexible and remote work system in the government sector in Doha, Qatar has received praise from officials and experts. This system aims to strike a balance between work and family commitments for employees, providing a positive work environment. The newly-introduced system is particularly beneficial for families, especially working mothers, as it allows them to spend more time with their children. The Ministry of Social Development and Family has emphasized the importance of this system in enabling parents, especially working mothers, to care for their children and instill values in them, in line with Qatar National Development Strategy 2030.
The flexible work system has been described as a significant support for working parents by helping them manage their official work and family commitments effectively. One workforce development trainer, Khaled Bou Moza, highlighted the convenience of dropping children off at school early and going to the office before 8.30 am, which positively impacts the family. Spending more time with children has been noted to have a beneficial effect by leaving a positive impact on them. This new system is expected to benefit a large number of working parents, especially working mothers, in ensuring a better work-life balance.
The implementation of the flexible and remote work system in the government sector began on September 29, with employees working seven-hour shifts from 7am to 2pm. The system allows employees to report between 6.30am and 8.30am, as long as they complete their official working hours. Employees with reduced working hours due to disability or medical reasons, as well as breastfeeding mothers, are permitted to be late to work, provided they complete the required hours. Additionally, the head of a government agency can allow up to 30% of employees in an administrative unit to work remotely based on a proposal by the unit director.
The remote work permission allows for one week annually for employees and one month annually for Qatari female employees with children under 12 years old. Shift workers and those whose work conditions conflict with the flexible and remote work system are exempted from the system. The Cabinet approved the proposal by the CGB regarding working hours during the week and the organization of mechanisms, as well as the implementation of the remote work system and flexible working hours on September 4, 2024. This decision is seen as a positive step towards promoting a healthy work-life balance for employees in the government sector in Doha, Qatar.
