Less working hours during Ramadan can boost productivity

WHILE many business leaders believe that Ramadan is associated with a slowing down of operations, fewer hours worked and general loss of effectiveness, a research by Oxford Strategic Consulting (OSC) has found that changing work models are increasingly becoming more hospitable to the Ramadan work schedule. 

Instead of worrying about the negative effects on business, MENA and GCC business leaders should focus on improving well-being, increasing engagement and embracing flexible work patterns during the holy month, the study points out. More vacation time can improve performance and well-being.

Oman’s government announced the working hours for those who are observing Ramadan in the public and private sectors, saying, “The official working hours for ministries, public authorities and other units of the administrative apparatus of the state during the Holy Month of Ramadan is from 9am to 2pm.

“The maximum number of working hours during the holy month of Ramadan in private establishments for Muslim workers is six hours per day, 30 hours a week”

Al Badi, head of Al Dhahirah Chamber of Commerce and Industry said: “The real measure of production is the level of achievement, not the number of hours spent in work and according to statistics, the production of individuals on normal days compared to the number of working hours could also be low.”

He added: “In our institution, each year, we prepare a special schedule during Ramadan so that there is no stagnation in the activities of the institution where through the table we distribute the work in a balanced manner among the staff in accordance with the nature of the month.”

“Sometimes some people display fatigue during Ramadan, so everyone should prepare for this month.”

Shorter work weeks can increase staff happiness and engagement in the long term. The Swedish government implemented a 30-hour work week for select employees during a two-year study and found that staff was happier, less stressed and enjoyed work more the only downside being that the scheme proved too expensive for participating employers. 

Given the religious and cultural significance of Ramadan for MENA countries, prevailing work norms during the holy month are unlikely to change because of fiscal concerns. The shorter work weeks during Ramadan, then, reflect an opportunity for employers to nurture more productive staff by focusing on employee engagement and team commitment in the month's less urgent and informal environment.

Greater control over workloads and schedules can boost well-being. A study by the Birmingham Business School found that employees with more autonomy experienced greater overall well-being and job satisfaction.