Kuwait Introduces Four-Hour Workdays and Grace Periods for Ramadan

As the Ramadan season approaches, Kuwait has taken proactive measures by announcing a reduction in working hours to four for employees, accompanied by additional provisions for grace periods, reflecting a thoughtful approach to accommodate the spiritual and cultural significance of this sacred time.

Under the terms of the agreement, women will be granted two grace periods of 15 minutes each — one at the commencement and another at the conclusion of the workday. This strategic arrangement provides women with enhanced flexibility in managing their work schedules, acknowledging the diverse responsibilities they may have outside of the workplace.

In contrast, men will engage in work for four hours and 15 minutes, with a single 15-minute grace period in the morning. This adjustment seeks to strike a balance, acknowledging the unique needs and roles of both male and female employees.

The decision-making process leading to this announcement involved a comprehensive review of employees’ performance evaluations for the year 2023. The Financial and Administrative Affairs Sector in the Civil Service Commission (CSC) meticulously assessed the contributions and achievements of the workforce, ensuring that the subsequent measures align with the organization’s goals and objectives.

Salah Khaled Al Saqabi, the Assistant Undersecretary for Financial and Administrative Affairs, has affirmed that deserving employees will receive an excellent job performance bonus during Ramadan. This bonus, carefully factored into the budget for the fiscal year 2023/2024, not only recognizes and rewards individual excellence but also serves as a gesture of appreciation during this auspicious time.

The reduced working hours and the introduction of grace periods are not merely operational adjustments; they represent a thoughtful and considerate response to the unique needs of the workforce during Ramadan. This initiative is a testament to the government’s commitment to fostering a supportive and harmonious work environment, ensuring the well-being of the employees is prioritized alongside the organizational objectives.