JobXDubai

Are UAE residents some of the hardest-working in the world? A recent poll by Khaleej Times suggests that many residents work 50-60 hours a week, with some even putting in 12-hour days, six days a week. But what are the consequences of such long working hours on physical and mental health?

For Dr. Ahmed, a dentist, working 55 hours a week is the norm. Despite the long hours, he makes sure to spend quality time with his family on Sundays. “Sometimes we go out or play together,” he says. “I make sure I put away all my devices and spend time with them.”

However, experts warn that prolonged periods of overwork can lead to severe physical and mental health issues. “When long hours are unavoidable, instead of striving for a perfect 50/50 balance, the goal should be to find harmony,” says Noona Nafousi, CEO of Neo Noor. “Being fully present during work hours and then completely switching off during personal time is crucial.”

On the other end of the spectrum is Mansoor Ali, owner and managing director of Ecogreen Contracting and Landscaping, who works an average of just three hours a day. “I believe in the power of delegation,” he says. “I delegate all my work to my employees. I have trained them to take ownership of their departments and work independently.”

For PR professional Houri Elmayan, starting her own firm was the key to achieving work-life balance. “By changing my work hours, I saw a massive change in my life,” she says. “I was able to fix myself from a health perspective. I was able to cook well, eat well, exercise, and even do some physiotherapy to fix some issues.”

So, what are the reasons behind the UAE’s long working hours? According to Monica Mathijs, founder of Monica Mahi Consulting, one of the reasons is ‘Eustress’, a form of stress we experience when we get a buzz and excited to get something done. “We believe we can work, put in the hours, and it feels good,” she says. “When working on something which has a known beginning and end, in our minds, we can start to process the need to work longer hours as we are enjoying the process and are getting eustress from it.”

As the UAE continues to rank high in terms of working hours, it’s clear that finding a balance between work and personal life is crucial for the well-being of residents.