A growing number of employees in the UAE are voicing concerns about the strain caused by long working hours coupled with extended commutes, with some reporting that their daily travel time is taking a significant toll on their well-being and productivity. According to a recent survey, nearly 50% of employees are struggling to balance their work and personal lives due to the mounting pressures of travel time and extended office hours.
One of the most frequently cited challenges is the time spent commuting, especially for those living outside Dubai. Iqbal, a resident of Sharjah who works in Tecom, shared: “The growing traffic congestion between Sharjah and Dubai is a real hassle. I spend around five hours every day traveling, leaving me with little to no time to manage the rest of my responsibilities. By the time I finish work, it’s a rush to catch the bus back home, and I’m left juggling my tasks with no time for myself.”
Another survey revealed that 60% of respondents feel the impact of these extended workdays and travel times, with many stating they feel physically and mentally drained by the end of their workweek. Even public transport workers are witnessing this strain. A bus driver who regularly serves commuters between Sharjah and Dubai noted that a recurring request he hears from passengers is, “We need to punch in, please drop us before 10 am.”
Lynsay Kilbane, Founder of The Mama Consultancy, spoke about how the growing demands of extended working hours have introduced unique challenges for many residents in the UAE. As a result, there is an increasing demand for professional nannies to care for children at home. “When recruiting at this level, three key priorities often emerge: ensuring privacy, achieving a quick turnaround in hiring, and confirming that candidates possess the necessary formal qualifications,” Kilbane explains.
