The outcome of the new shorter work week is exciting and set to influence a trend in the regional and global business strategy (‘4-day week sees 90% increase in productivity of Sharjah employees’ (01 February).

Of the various areas covered in the measurement, interesting to note the improved attendance rate, whereas the low sick leave rate needs further scrutiny as to how the shorter work week makes people healthier.

While the increased rate of people involved in education and other personal objectives may reward positively to help the productivity in organisations if they are considered suitable. This trend indirectly points to the fact that with the extra day in hand, people use it wisely to evolve on a personal and professional level.

At the same time, the new age living requires more time to be with family for better mental health, and the change in the work structure may have a beneficial impact in the long run. It is equally important that when making a customer happy, the homecoming has some relaxed feel to make the ambience pleasing throughout.

A regular and systematic monitoring mechanism would undoubtedly assist in boosting the confidence of employees, which would bring more happy customers and happy families.

Ramachandran Nair, Muscat