Proposal to Extend Government Work Hours From 35 to 40 Weekly

A government committee has been established to review a proposal that would extend working hours for all government employees from 8 AM to 4 PM, extending weekly work hours from 35 hours to 40 hours. This initiative aims to improve workflow management across government sectors.

Currently, the government enforces a five-day, 35-hour workweek for ministries, government departments, public authorities and local administration units, with Fridays and Saturdays designated as official holidays. Each entity's management determines work hours based on its operational needs and ensures that a sufficient number of employees are present on one or both official holidays, with this responsibility rotating among all staff.

The committee is expected to submit a report on its findings, recommendations and implementation strategies by the end of October 2024. The head of the prime minister's advisory council will then present these recommendations to Prime Minister Madbouly, who will forward them to the cabinet for further consideration.

This decision is part of the government's broader efforts to reform the work environment in response to global trends and enhance the quality of government performance. These efforts include restructuring ministries and government bodies, increasing transparency and accountability, streamlining administrative procedures, and advancing digital transformation in public service delivery. Additionally, the plan aims to strengthen HR capabilities through intensive training programs to boost employee efficiency and ensure more effective and timely delivery of government services. The committee may also consult experts and specialists to support its tasks.