If you have the talent and some time to spare, give part-time work a shot. This is the good news Emiratis received from the Dubai Executive Council (DEC) last week. Designed to boost the Emiratisation process, the move will allow all government departments in Dubai to provide part-time work options to Emiratis. Have you ever worked in a part-time job? What were the challenges that you faced? Can part-time work help the unemployed workforce use their talent and skill to contribute to the economy?
People who have just come to the UAE and are earning a basic salary spend a lot on conveyance and rent. They have half a day to spare after they reach home at 5pm and can work part-time. This will also allow companies to find more talent in a cost-effective way. Of course, there should be guidelines and procedures which ensure that employees or companies do not misuse this option.
Mohammad Zeeshan Hussain
Dubai
Launching part-time work may increase the administrative workload for the organisation. For example, hiring two part-time workers for every full-time job would increase training and compensation costs as well as supervisory responsibilities. It would be difficult to arrange for training sessions and team meetings, placing additional scheduling demands on managers.
Ubair Muhammad Butt
Dubai
It depends upon the type of job one is expected to do and the nature of the industry. Part-time work can positively influence productivity and cost, as is seen in outsourcing agencies who stick to time and target. However, this need not work in most industries where employees are required to be present for work to progress. A wise organisation will resort to an ideal mix of both options.
Bose A. Panicker
Dubai
Part-time job is a win-win business model. It makes the best use of the expertise of young and old alike and also helps utilise the services of skilled women and students who cannot afford a full-time job. Companies benefit from less establishment cost, better utilisation of resources and generating more profit. Additionally, experts can earn more with greater professional satisfaction.
Subhasis Mukherjee
Dubai
In these times of war, terrorism and drugs, children are better equipped when given tender loving care by mothers. This is why most qualified women give up jobs and become full-time mothers. However, when children start school, part-time jobs would give these women financial independence and allow them to be at home when children return from school. Let women have the cake and eat it, too.
Bindu Sathianesan
Sharjah
Educated couples with family commitments and dreams for their children have to keep themselves occupied through some income generating avenues. They also need to care for their children, especially when they are young. Part-time work could serve these two purposes. Educated parents giving up their jobs is a great sacrifice, and it is painful to see a professional sitting at home to take care of children.
Mukund Mehta
Muscat, Oman
To a certain extent, it would help educated mothers. Working mothers can choose suitable jobs and improve their revenue sources. They will be more confident in planning their lives and will have handsome savings. A part-time job provides flexibility and it is the person's responsibility to do justice to his/her job. It also helps improve competency and self-confidence.
Ramachandran Nair
Ruwi, Oman
Part-time work benfit women, especially those who are married. There are many married women who are qualified, committed and mature enough to work. However, they have few options when it comes to part-time job opportunities. As a professional in the human resources field I think giving women more options in this area will have considerable benefits.
Ambuja Hegde
Dubai
Companies do not give all the benefits to the employee. This is why an employee thinks for his betterment and chooses to work part-time. While employees may want to give a 100 per cent commitment to their companies, if they are under stress because of their financial or personal problems, they would definitely opt for part-time work. I think companies should take a neutral stand on this issue.
Munawar Aziz
Dubai
Employees should be allowed to work part-time. Employees should assure their companies that the part-time work would not effect the job. And even though it is part-time work, it would help them greatly in their family matters. However, I believe companies would not allow the employees to work part-time as they have the misconception that employees are recruited for 24 hours.
Asif Aziz
Dubai
Employees would definitely be responsible because in their capacity they would be responsible for their duties and work and will be answerable to their higher authorities. Their progress at work will also be judged. This is why they would always bear in mind that if they do not give proper output then they may lose the job. It will make them more responsible and efficient.
Ahmad Eftekhar
Sharjah
Even when a person is doing a part-time job, it would be his/her name attached to the work. Therefore, it will not prevent them from being accountable for it. Part-time work also offers opportunities to interact in a corporate environment, especially for women and students. Expatriates will also benefit from part-time work opportunities as they can supplement their income and increase productivity.
Nilmereneaus Maratas
Dubai
For those women who are qualified and experienced and may also be mothers of infants, the option of working part-time would keep them in touch with the job market, so that they are not redundant if they decide to come back full-time. As a parent, it is their responsibility to give quality time to their children. As a qualified professional, one must take care of their career and financial independence.
Ritu Chawla-Ray
Dubai
There are many people who have various talents but are not able to utilise them due to lack of opportunity. Part-time work will give such people a chance to ruse their skills after their normal work hours and earn at the same time. Additionally, it contributes to the economy by increasing productivity across sectors, especially in government departments. It also means less overhead costs for the companies.
Rajeev M. K.
Dubai
The primary concept for work for people is that they either do a dedicated full-time job and if they are working part-time, it would be going around the required paperwork. This is why I do not think it would attract a talented workforce. It will also reduce accountability to a certain extent as people working part-time would not take assigned projects seriously.
Shyam Prasad
Dubai
Part-time work always attracts those who have an interest in a particular job or field. People take up part-time work because they want to be involved with such work. However, it is crucial that people who are in charge of briefing the part-time workers do a good job. This especially applies to fresh graduates who are not aware of what they are required to do.
Steve George
Dubai
