Working *hours* in Doha, what's the reality?
Hi all,
Planning a move to Doha, doing some research, getting some really conflicting views on this, at least from the web sites. Some say, morning 07.00-03.000, i.e. day's over by 3 PM (15.00), 5-day weeks. Others claim upto 48 hours per week, some claims 6-7 days unofficially.
So, what is the reality please?
How many hours are you obligated to be at work? (Europe, officially, it depends from 6 hours to 7.5 officially, max 8. People normally work free-hours with the focus on getting the job done. Obviously, it is different in different fields, such as medical (you have to be at the hospital))
What is the work-culture like? Relaxed? Hyper-active-less-productive?
What about presence (working from home) etc.?
About me: I'll be working in IT leadership, so IT, but not an IT provider as such. In the private sector, well-semi-private.
You should (!) get a contract which should (!) mention the issues you have brought up. Change the contract if you don't agree. If the company won't accept it, you'll know that they are planning to exploit you.
First of all you just cannot compare the working conditions of Europe to that of the Middle Eastern countries. The environment of work is totally different.
As I have stated earlier, government departments work 8 hours, five days a week along with banks and some companies. But most private companies work from 8 to 5. There is no such thing as free hours here. The work culture is good but that all depends on the type of company you join. There are several companies here, even very large ones, which is dishonest and know every "trick of the trade" to eat up the salaries and End of Service benefits of workers. Some of them have no fear of the law or God and are downright cruel. Yes, people do work 10 hours or even 12, but getting paid for those extra hours depends on the type of company and its management. Many low-paid workers are usually the sufferers. In order to understand how the unscrupulous games are played, you need to be here.
Thanks for the reply! The intent of the question is how many hours is a personally *individually* obligated to be at work? Europe it depends from 6 hours to 7.5 officially, max 8. And the norm is also the same. Most people have free hours, can leave mid-day, e.g. to pick their kids/whatever, and then continue to work e.g. from home.
What is the work culture there?
How would you respond to posts that claim 10-12 hour working days, is that normal? In large companies?
There are basically two types of working schedules that are followed. The government one and the ones followed by the private companies.
Government offices follow an 8-hour schedule. Fridays and Saturdays are off days. Semi-government and banks also follow the same timings. But many banks have some branches that are open to pubic dealings in the evenings.
As for private companies. the timings are usually 8 to 5 pm. Most private companies have only Friday as an off day.
As per my information, the Labour Law states working hours should be 8 hours each day and a five-day week. But most private companies don't follow this rule.
Why?
Go ask Allah!