More widespread adoption of work-from-home policies and flexible working hours is expected in the emirate as the new Dubai traffic relief plan for peak hour traffic. The move may likely be accepted by both public and private sectors, according to authorities, who are expecting a possible 30% reduction on morning travel times.
Several studies performed by Roads and Transport Authority and the Human Resources department of Dubai Government have revealed that a flexible window to start work within two hours and four or five days per month of telecommuting could ease traffic on roads. For instance, a 20% telecommute rate could bring in up to a 9.8% reduction on Sheikh Zayed Road and up to an 8.4% reduction on Al Khail Road. The flexible hours alone would reduce traffic by 5.7% in Sheikh Zayed Road and 5% in Al Khail Road.
The RTA and DGHR surveys of 644 companies covered more than 320,000 employees. According to their research, 32% of the private companies are already employing remote work policy, while another 58% stand ready to use them. Besides, 31% of the companies had taken flexible work hours and 66% said they were open to the expansion of this practice.
Part of a larger traffic flow plan approved by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, these initiatives showed that 80% of government entities now offer two remote working days per week, where most employees affirm increased productivity and personal satisfaction under such flexible working arrangements.
Beyond these plans, the city of Dubai is improving public transport infrastructure, adding bus and taxi lanes, truck movement restrictions, and promoting carpooling to further manage traffic demand.
