Can UAE companies extend work-from-home policy beyond heavy rains?

UAE-based companies are unlikely to offer remote work options to all its employees, even though some are experimenting with flexible work arrangements, experts have said. Though companies have the infrastructure to get the job done as employees work from home, many prefer they report to office over perceived productivity issues.

Several offices went online almost overnight, with employees asked to work remotely amid unstable weather conditions in mid-April and early May.

“The recent experience with remote work during the UAE's heavy rains demonstrates its viability as a business continuity strategy. However, an entirely office-free future isn't necessarily the answer for every organisation,” Pedro Lacerda, senior vice-president at recruitment company TASC Group, told Khaleej Times. “The success of remote work hinges on company culture and individual job functions. Collaboration, creativity, and team building can benefit from in-person interaction. For some positions, physical presence might be crucial.”

The expert said some companies have recognised the “potential benefits” of this arrangement. These include improved employee satisfaction and “even cost savings in terms of office space and infrastructure.”

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched a survey and is seeking insights from private sector employees on how flexible work hours and remote working arrangements can ease traffic.

Workers seek flexibility

As employees try to strike a work-life balance, they are seeking flexibility when it comes to their jobs.

Citing a pan-Gulf study, Oliver Kowalski, managing director at Hays Middle East, said 34 per cent of professionals view flexible working as one of their most valued benefits and 31 per cent report the same about hybrid and remote working options. “In a post-pandemic world, working habits and expectations have changed. Professionals generally want more flexibility in how they work in terms of time and place,” he said in an interview with Khaleej Times earlier.

Lacerda reported a “noticeable increase” in the number of employers in the UAE who are offering remote work options. “Many companies (are) offering at least one work-from-home day to their employees. While it may not yet be considered the standard practice across all industries, there is a discernible trend towards embracing remote work arrangements. This shift is driven by several factors, including evolving employee expectations, the need for greater work-life balance, and advancements in technology that make remote collaboration more feasible than ever before.”

Productivity

Aws Ismail, general manager, Marc Ellis, raised concerns about productivity getting affected when offices go online.

“Remote working was tried and tested during the Covid-19 period … But eventually, (companies) requested all employees to return to the office because of a dip in performance,” he said. “I personally believe that working from home depends on the job role and industry. For example, if you are in an administrative role, working from home may not affect your performance … but if you are in a sales or creative role, then working from home becomes an obstacle to collaboration and team work to achieve the work required.”

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