UAE employees work 7 unpaid overtime hours per week on average, survey says
UAE professionals say that, on average, they work seven extra hours per week, adding up to 3.5 days of unpaid overtime per month, which is impacting their work-life balance, according to a new survey.
Released by insights agency Perspectus, the survey says that majority of the employees in the UAE believe that they're stressed and overworked in the post-pandemic period as nearly 8 out of 10 employees — 76 per cent — said that their work-life balance has worsened after Covid-19.
The study found that approximately 6 out of 10 — 59 per cent — of UAE employees find it hard to switch off.
Shockingly, 9 out of 10 employees said that they regularly respond to work emails and calls outside official hours, putting them under additional stress and burden.
'Professionals in the Middle East are working harder than ever, however, our research shows that they're beginning to question whether it is actually worth it. It could be that employers will, at some point, have to rethink some of their practices if they want to retain happy and contented staff,' said Jon Horsley, senior research consultant at Perspectus.
'Younger people in particular were much more likely to push back against extra unpaid hours with around half saying that they could imagine quitting if they were unable to get a better work/life balance,' added Horsley.
According to the 2025 Employees Sentiment Study released by global professional services firm Aon, work-life balance programmes are among the top three benefits that UAE employees value the most.
Professionals are increasingly under pressure as competition in the market is increasing due to the inflow of more foreign workers into the country. The UAE is one of the most highly attractive markets globally for professionals and job-seekers due to zero income tax, safety and security, world-class quality educational system and quality of life — helping local firms retain talent for a longer period.
Psychologists suggest that reducing work hours could lead to better overall health of employees.
Based on a survey of 2,000 UAE professionals, the study revealed that just 26 per cent feel they have a good work-life balance. Despite 80 per cent working remotely one to two days per week, 60 per cent believe this has actually made it harder to disconnect.
More than half – 55 per cent – of UAE employees working beyond official hours is simply expected of them and 43 per cent worry that if they don't put in extra time, someone else will.
And one-third said their boss directly told them to work harder.
As a result, while 34 per cent of employees feel loyal to their company, they do not believe their employer shows the same loyalty in return.
Interestingly, nearly half of UAE employees would accept a pay cut in exchange for a shorter working week with younger professionals being the most in favour, with 66 per cent preferring a four-day working week.
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