Doha, Qatar: The Civil Service and Government Development Bureau (CSGDB), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, has introduced a trial program to decrease the working hours of Qatari mothers employed in the government sector during the mid-term break of the ongoing academic year.
Commencing December 24, 2023, the working hours for the targeted employees will conclude by 12 noon for a duration of two weeks throughout the vacation period. Women employees whose responsibilities mandate them to continue until the official working hours' conclusion are exempt from this initiative.
Yacoub Al Ishaq, Director of the Human Resources Policies Department at the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau, stated that eligible employees can now apply through their government entity's Human Resources Department to avail themselves of the experimental flexible work system.
Al Ishaq mentioned to Qatar TV that a questionnaire would be circulated among the beneficiaries of the flexible system, and recommendations would be submitted to the esteemed State Cabinet to assess the feasibility of implementing the decision.
He emphasized that combining leave hours with reduced hours for the experimental flexible work system is not permitted. Al Ishaq highlighted that the pilot flexible work system initiative was launched to support Qatari families and foster a stronger connection among family members. The eligibility criteria include having children in schools up to grade 12, and applicants must attach their children's birth certificates to the submission.
The head of the entity will determine eligibility for the flexible hours. The initiative aims to strengthen family roles, emphasize the mother's essential role in child rearing, and recognize the significance of her extended presence with her children.
This initiative promotes more flexible work methods, encourages working mothers to enhance productivity, balance work and family requirements, and boost job satisfaction. The CSGDB will assess the pilot phase's implementation and evaluate the experience of reducing working hours for Qatari mothers in government agencies.
The Civil Bureau is committed to adopting initiatives that support Qatari families, strike a balance between work and individuals' personal lives, and contribute to creating a prosperous society with increased levels of productivity and innovation in the work environment. This initiative aligns with a series of efforts to establish a healthy and sustainable work environment.