Flexible and remote work system in government agencies to be implemented from September 9

According to a press release from the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau (CGB), the Council of Ministers in Qatar has authorised the system for remote and flexible work in government agencies. It is scheduled to go into effect on September 9, 2024. The decision aims to empower the most disadvantaged populations, such as working moms and those with disabilities, and will enable employees to balance work and family obligations. 

Employees may work according to their schedules as long as the required number of hours is completed, and it does not interfere with the government agency's requirements and work needs. The system is a step in the right direction towards reaching the third national development strategy, 2024–2030, and fits within the context of accomplishing the human and social development pillars of the Qatar National Vision 2030. 

The following are the salient characteristics of the "flexible work and remote work" system that government agency employees will experience beginning on September 29, 2024: Seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. As long as they finish their formal working hours, employees can arrive at work as early as 6:30 and stay late as 8:30 without compromising their ability to fulfil their tasks. 

If an employee is disabled, or has a medical condition, or needs two hours to nurse their child, they are entitled to a decrease in working hours. If the aforementioned employees finish their official working hours, they will also be permitted to arrive at work later in proportion to the hours owing to them.

At most 30% of the staff in each government agency's administrative unit may work remotely for one week a year, subject to the head of the agency's decision and the recommendation of the director of the administrative unit. One month of remote work per year will be granted to women in Qatar who have children under the age of twelve. 

The system does not include workers who are part of a shift work environment or other parties whose requirements and work circumstances conflict with the system.