Dubai’s federal government employees are transitioning to a remote work system as a precautionary measure against the spread of the coronavirus. This phased implementation, starting with a quarter of the workforce and expanding to 100% by March 17, aims to reduce office crowding and ensure continued government operations.
Dubai Embraces Remote Work for Federal Employees Amidst Health Concerns
In a significant move to safeguard public health and maintain operational continuity, the federal government in Dubai has initiated a comprehensive remote work system for its employees. This decision comes as a proactive measure to mitigate the potential spread of the coronavirus, emphasizing employee safety and efficient service delivery.
Phased Implementation of Remote Work
The transition to remote work is being rolled out in a structured, gradual manner:
- March 10: 25% of the workforce in selected federal departments began working remotely.
- March 11: This percentage increased to 50% for the same departments.
- March 17: The pilot system is set to encompass 100% of the workforce in these federal departments.
This pilot program is designed to be scalable and will eventually be extended to other emirates across the UAE.
Key Takeaways
- The remote work system is a precautionary measure against the coronavirus.
- Implementation is phased, starting with a partial workforce and escalating to full coverage.
- The system aims to reduce crowding in government offices.
- Special provisions are made for vulnerable employee groups.
- Technology plays a crucial role in facilitating remote operations.
Special Provisions for Vulnerable Employees
Recognizing the heightened risk for certain demographics, government agencies have issued a circular allowing all senior citizens and pregnant employees to work remotely starting March 9. This highlights the government’s commitment to protecting its most vulnerable staff members.
Technological Backbone for Remote Operations
To ensure a seamless transition and effective remote work environment, government agencies have equipped employees with necessary tools, including laptops and specialized software. The "Microsoft Team" program is central to this initiative, enabling:
- Connection and collaboration among employee groups.
- Completion of official transactions without physical presence.
- Monitoring of work, performance, and achievement.
- Calculation of working hours for each employee.
Department heads can utilize this program to oversee and manage their remote teams effectively.
Who Is Included and Excluded?
The remote work program is broadly applicable to all state employees in both federal and local sectors. However, certain critical service providers are excluded to ensure essential public services remain uninterrupted. These include:
- Hospital workers
- Emergency service personnel (electricity, water)
- Civil defense personnel
- Police officers
- Workers in passport departments at airports, sea, and land ports
This strategic exclusion ensures that vital public safety and infrastructure services continue without disruption.