It's been a hard day's shift

Dubai: Traditionally the midday heat offered some respite for traders as work ceased for a few hours before picking up again as the day cooled.

Today the workplace is divided between straight shifts and split shifts to deal with a faster pace of living - but at what cost to employees and employers?

Gulf News explores why some people say work is killing their social life while employers claim a long break makes staff slow.

The straight shift versus split shift debate has been a hot topic for companies and employees for the last decade.

Companies in Dubai operated under a split-shift system. However, over the last decade a new trend developed where companies moved towards a straight-shift system.

It began with major international and local firms, but in recent years other companies have begun to follow the trend.

The majority of the establishments in Dubai have now chosen a straight shift as they consider it to be more in line with the country's development, with many saying that it also increases productivity.

However, those still operating on a split shift say that it benefits business as it enables them to cover the whole day with no additional staff.

Laid back attitude

Nawfal Al Jourani, Head of Corporate Communications at Al Futtaim Group said his group changed from a split to a straight shift eight years ago as the requirements of the market changed.

"Gone are the days which are so laid back that we can afford a four hour break in the middle of the day, especially in a city like Dubai which plays an important role in the global economy," said Al Jourani.

Al Futtaim group found the straight shift to be both commercially viable and convenient for employees.

"Many of our employees live far away and with the current traffic situation our employees would have ended up spending the entire break on the road, resulting in a longer work day," said Al Jourani.

Obaid Al Shamsi, head of employee relations and communications at Dubai Islamic Bank, said a majority of the bank's business operates under a straight shift system apart from a small section in the trade and finance sector.

"The straight shift system is a growing trend in the country, especially in Dubai. For us we found it more commercially viable to have this system. When an employee has a long break in the middle of the day he loses focus and become lazier, therefore straight shifts are more efficient and workers are more productive," he said.

Maed Anan, Manager of Noor Al Kawthar Group, said a straight shift is more convenient especially for construction workers as it would be more costly and time consuming to transport workers back to the accommodation just for couple of hours.

"Construction at night needs major lighting equipment which is very costly, therefore, a straight shift for some small and medium companies becomes a necessity," said Anan.

Nevertheless, some sectors are still holding back to the fast growing trend. A majority of the shops in Dubai's old souq and the wholesale market in Bur Dubai still operate on a split-shift system.

"There is hardly any work during the midday break therefore it is a waste of time to have employees around this time," said a shop owner.

Labour law stipulates a 48-hour working week

Humaid Bin Deemas, Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of Labour, said the working day is eight hours long or 48 hours a week as per the labour law.

"However, since each company has the choice to divide their working hours according to its own convenience, and the ministry does not intervene in this matter. What we are concerned with is people and those who work beyond the set hours, should be paid the overtime they are entitled," said Bin Deemas.

Many small companies, especially in the sales sector are stretching the working hours stipulated by the labour law without paying overtime, he added, describing it as an intolerable act.

Have your say
What shift do you follow? What is your view on the debate of split shift versus straight shift? Do you think straight shift is better for the well being of an individual? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or fill in the form below to send your comments.

I prefer work timings to be as per business requirement, which should also allow an employee to spend time with his family so that he is equally productive at work also.
Ghazala
Sharjah,UAE

I follow a straight shift from 8am to 5.30pm, with a 30-minute break for lunch.
Satish
Abu Dhabi,UAE

I would prefer a straight shift because I have had the experience of working in both straight and split shifts. My previous job on a split shift was in Karama and I was residing in Sharjah. There was no option for me other than to sit all alone in the office for four hours and have lunch. This was killing me and in the second hour of work there seemed to be no life in anyone. So, it's much better that the company adopts a straight shift.
Shameema
Dubai,U.A.E

Straight shift is the best and the most convenient.
Priya
Dubai,UAE

I can understand the reasoning behind the move to a straight shift culture, given Dubai's desire to compete on all levels globally, but the construction sector has to be different in regard to the issue of workers toiling in the intense high summer heat. This has to be addressed in some way.
Martyn
Hove,UK

We follow split shift here, but because we are in an industrial area we stay in the office during the supposed four hour break. We can't go home as we live far from our work.
Mitch
Sharjah,UAE

I feel that the employer should reduce the working hours for ladies to no more than seven hours because all ladies have work to do once they reach home. A woman's job is always never ending at home with kids, housekeeping, cooking, cleaning etc.
Greta
Dubai,UAE

I am on a straight shift from 9am to 6pm with a one hour break between 12-3. As the article says, split shifts seem to suit shops and stores like grocery shops, unlike companies. It's definitely a requirement decided by the type of the business.
Ahmed
Dubai,UAE

Straight or split shift doesn?t matter as long it will be convenient and fair for both the employers and the employees, considering the expenses here in the Gulf. If split shift, then why not divide people to work in the early daytime and the other batch will work in the late daytime, and I think this option is best for both parties.
Isabel
Abu Dhabi,uae

Our company is following straight shift from 9am to 6pm. We just take a break for lunch and then continue our work without rest. This is too tiring. Straight shift is good but we need a break of at least one hour and then get back to work. Split shift is not suitable for ladies whose workplace and residence are far away.
Nalini
Dubai,UAE

Split shift gives employees the chance to have some rest during summer days as it is quite unbearable for the construction workers, as they are working directly under the fire-throwing sun.
Muhammad
Dubai,UAE

A straight shift is any day more productive than the split shift. The mid-day break is a sheer waste of time. We spend most of the time sitting on the road stuck in traffic. The split shift only adds to the wastage of precious fuel, increased wear and tear of the road system, and vehicles. The person loses interest in going back to work for only three hours. He loses focus and continuity. My company still has a mid-day break. I spend more time on the road than in my house or office, there is no purpose served. We are working in air-conditioned offices, so there is no reason for fatigue due to the heat outside. I will vote for a straight shift any day.
Padma
Dubai,UAE

Straight shift is better than split shift as in split shift we can lose our stamina and focus.
Nadeem
Dubai,UAE

Straight shift is better and more convenient.
Muhammad
Dubai,UAE

The straight shift is better compared to split shift. The break time which is meant for rest does not give you rest as traveling takes away a major part the break. I am working from 9am to 1.30pm and 4pm to 9pm. During the break, I usually reach home at 2.15pm and leave home again at 3.45pm in order to reach at 4pm. So it is better to have straight shift from 9am to 7pm. where one can get a good rest and have a good social life.
Sunil
Dubai,UAE

I support straight shifts as it keeps the rythm going. Split shifts result in lethargy, and people start the second half without full motivation to work.
SP
Abu Dhabi,UAE

I have been working in a straight shift environment for a very long time and therefore, consider myself very fortunate as I get sufficient time to spend at home with family, carry on with daily exercises, or even resting and enjoying television, etc. This makes me more productive for the next day. As an IT engineer, this has allowed me to gain more skills in my field and I have been applying these successfully in my company.My heart goes out to the numerous people, including women, who have to work a second shift. Those working in the split shift have to go through the traffic four times in a day. I hope that their companies consider the option of straight shift rather than making employees work for such a long time during a day, with decreased productivity and lower levels of performance.
Mansoor
Dubai,UAE

I follow a straight shift from 9am to 7pm, with a 30-minute break for lunch.
Ritu
Dubai,UAE

I think a straight shift - ideally from 7am to 3pm - would be good for employees since it will leave them enough time to spend with their family.
Siddique
Abu Dhabi,UAE

All my social activities have been cut off because of the split shift.
Hasan
Dubai,UAE

I prefer to work a straight shift because it give me time to spend with my family after work.
Christopher
Dubai,UAE

It is always good to have a straight shift because it will at least give us time to spend with family and friends. Having a social life is also an important part of one's life.
Mohammed
Dubai,UAE

Every business has its own requirement. Both system has advantages and disadvantages. Companies should study what will work best for the business and for the employees as well.
Hasan
Dubai,UAE