Work hours cut to 4 during month of Ramadan

The Financial and Administrative Affairs Sector in the Civil Service Commission (CSC) has completed the review of the employees’ performance evaluation for the year 2023, reports Al-Anba daily.

Assistant Undersecretary for Financial and Administrative Affairs Salah Khaled Al-Saqabi stated that most ministries, public institutions, and government agencies have completed the review of employees’ performance evaluation reports, while stressing the need for all these entities to complete the review before the new budget year begins on April 1. He also revealed that the excellent job performance bonus will be disbursed to deserving employees during Ramadan, affirming the bonus is included in the budget for fiscal 2023/2024. He

Meanwhile, an agreement has been reached to reduce the working hours to four during Ramadan for women who will also be given two grace periods — 15 minutes in the morning and another 15 minutes at the end of the working day; meaning, they can arrive 15 minutes late and leave 15 minutes early. Sources told the daily that the working hours for men will be four hours and 15 minutes with only one grace period — 15 minutes in the morning. Sources clarified each government agency will be given the freedom to choose appropriate work hours and shifts, taking into account the working hours that will be approved by the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

Sources said the agreement includes retaining the grace period of 15 minutes in the morning for all employees, so those who report for work on time could leave 15 minutes early, while the number of hours of permitted partial absence during the holy month is two hours maximum and one-hour minimum. Asked if the working hours will be flexible or in shifts, sources disclosed the discussion focused on flexible working hours; such that the employees have the opportunity to prove attendance within an hour or two. They confirmed that the flexible working hours system has been proven to have reduced tardiness among employees, adding that the three-shift system was implemented in Ramadan 2023.