Study of Flexible Working Arrangements in context of Covid-19 in Qatar

Abstract

Digitalization and social networks have impacted the way people communicate, collaborate and work. Employees are starting to take greater control and autonomy over their working hours. Experts suggest that flexible work arrangements can be a major tool that can contribute to achieve this goal. When COVID-19 pandemic hit the globe, Qatar too, had followed remote working arrangements and shift jobs as a preventive measure to avoid human interaction as much as possible to reduce the spread of contagion. The purpose of this study is to gain an insight about employees’ perceptions of adopting flexible working arrangements in Qatar and the impact it has on their wellbeing, productivity and work/life balance and at the same time contribute as a costefficient tool for organizations. The study found that: * Culture change will take time and the continuing reasoning why flexible working arrangements will work, its benefits, challenges and solutions to overcome those. * There is no one size fits all for flexible working arrangements, as individual needs are different. * The need for flexible working arrangements will grow overtime with newer generations. * Employees feel more productive and have better well-being with the adoption of flexible working arrangements.