The Civil Service and Government Development Bureau (CSGDB), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, has initiated a pilot project aimed at reducing the working hours of Qatari mothers employed in the government sector during the mid-term vacation of the current academic year.

For a duration of two weeks, starting from December 24, 2023, the duty hours of the targeted employees will conclude by 12 noon during the vacation period. Excluded from this initiative are women employees whose roles necessitate work until the official end of working hours.

Yacoub Al Ishaq, Director of the Human Resources Policies Department at the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau, stated that eligible employees can apply for the experimental flexible work system through their government entity's Human Resources Department.

Al Ishaq explained, "We will circulate a questionnaire to the beneficiaries of the flexible system and then submit recommendations in this regard to the esteemed State Cabinet to study the feasibility of implementation of the decision thereafter."

Under the terms and conditions, mothers applying for the initiative should have children in schools up to grade 12. They are required to submit their children's birth certificates along with the application to their employer. The determination of eligibility for flexible hours will be made by the head of the entity.

This initiative aligns with the broader goal of strengthening family roles, fostering closer family bonds, recognizing the crucial role of mothers in raising and caring for their children, and ensuring their prolonged presence with their children.

It seeks to introduce more flexible work methods, encouraging working mothers to enhance productivity, balance work and family demands, and increase job satisfaction.

The Civil Service and Government Development Bureau will assess the pilot phase of the reduction in working hours for Qatari mothers in government agencies, evaluating the impact of this experience. The Bureau aims to adopt initiatives supporting the Qatari family, achieving a balance between work and personal lives to create a prosperous society and enhance productivity and innovation in the work environment.

This initiative represents a step forward in a series of initiatives toward establishing a healthy and sustainable work environment.