Most companies divided over work schedule

Abu Dhabi: Companies are split over fixing their work shifts.

While most have adopted a straight shift system, citing that it is more effective and time-saving than the split shift, some others still use both straight and split shift systems, depending on the need.

Dania Gulam, a lawyer at an Abu Dhabi firm, suggested switching to a straight shift to her company, which had operated on a split shift basis since 1976.

"Ever since the change in shift, efficiency at the office has
been much better," said Dania.

"Previously, everyone used to come into the office at 5pm already drained out and it took another half hour for everyone to tune back into work-mode. Now, everyone leaves at 6pm and at least have time left in the day to do something else."

'Smooth' work flow

An official from Ali and Sons Contracting Company said the firm uses both systems.

"Administrative offices work split shifts to make sure that the work flow is smooth, and on-site workers work straight shifts to get the job done."

Some businesses still rely on the tried and tested split shift. George Elias, manager of an Abu Dhabi travel agency, said the nature of his business dictates their timings.

"Most companies now work straight shifts, so if we adopt a straight shift at the travel agency, how can people meet a travel agent during their work hours," he asked.

"If we can one day reach an unanimous agreement between all travel agents, or if 90 per cent of the big operators agree to have a straight shift, then that's okay, since we'll all have the same timings," added Elias. "But we wouldn't want to be the only ones."