Sharjah in the UAE approves part-time work plan for pensioners
In the UAE emirate of Sharjah, a plan has been approved under which senior citizens, their spouses, and pensioners will be able to return to work part-time in the public sector. The program provides for flexible schedules, including work three days a week or during specified hours.
Flexible employment in the public sector
The plan was approved by the Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi. It also provides employment opportunities for people receiving social assistance.
As The National reports, the program aims to return pensioners to active everyday life. During a telephone broadcast, Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi said that the initiative should give them a reason to leave home, see the world around them, meet people, and once again interact with visitors and clients.
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Experience of older workers
In an editorial, The National notes that people who have worked for decades in government and other institutions possess knowledge of internal processes and experience that are difficult to quickly replace with new staff. The publication also points out that retaining such experience may be important for the UAE economy, which increasingly relies on knowledge and technology.
In 2022, Sharjah introduced a four-day workweek for public-sector employees. Later, the emirate set a minimum monthly salary for public-sector workers at 20,000 dirhams.
Similar approaches are also used in other countries. In Japan, a network of more than 1,300 local Silver Jinzai groups helps people aged 60 and over find part-time work. In Singapore, the Part-time Re-employment Grant program provides employers with financial incentives for flexible working arrangements and career planning for older workers.
