As the new school year approaches, working parents in the UAE are already planning for the first day of school, with some informing their employers that they will be arriving late. While the government has implemented a flexible work hours policy for some public sector employees, private companies are also adjusting schedules to accommodate employees with school-going children. Emirati mother Huda A., who works at a real estate company, was able to request flexible hours from her boss to drop off her daughters at different schools.
Winnie Agat, an Indian mother, also informed her employer that she will be starting work later than usual to accommodate dropping off her children at school. Some parents are facing challenges with multiple children starting school on different days. Maryam H., an Emirati working in the private sector, has two daughters starting school on different days and has arranged with her manager to come to the office late on the days she needs to drop off her daughters. Her husband, who works in local government, will be able to take one of their daughters to school on a specific day, so they don’t have to take leave.
For Emirati mother Haleema Abdulla, dropping her children off at school on the first day is a significant moment, and she is grateful for the flexible work policy for government employees. The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has granted public sector employees flexible work hours for the first day of school and important events throughout the academic year. Some parents like Hussain Mohammed, who works at a local government organization in Dubai, are thankful for the leave benefits that allow him to support his daughter on her first day of school.
With the new school year underway, more parents are adjusting their work schedules to accommodate their children’s school routines. Some companies in the private sector are also offering flexible work options for employees with school-going children. Emirati mother Huda A. and Indian mother Winnie Agat have already made arrangements with their employers to start work later to drop off their children at school. For parents with multiple children starting school on different days, like Maryam H., communication with managers is essential to make necessary adjustments.
The flexible work policy for government employees has been a significant relief for working parents in the UAE, allowing them to support their children during important milestones like the first day of school. The policy extends to various events throughout the academic year, ensuring parents can be present for activities like parent-teacher meetings and graduation ceremonies. Employees like Hussain Mohammed appreciate the leave benefits provided by their workplaces, which allow them to prioritize their children’s needs without compromising their professional responsibilities. Overall, the collaboration between parents and employers in adjusting work schedules demonstrates a supportive and accommodating work environment for working parents in the UAE.
