Examining the structural effect of working time on well-being: Evidence from Abu Dhabi

Does working time affect workers’ wellbeing? We studied this question in the context of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, drawing on the results its Quality-of-Life Survey conducted in 2019/2020. The empirical analysis examined the effect of working hours on various elements of wellbeing. Preliminary analysis and path analysis justified the significance of eight variables: work-life balance, frequency of meeting with friends, happiness, stress, time spent with family, self-assessment of health, satisfaction with income, and difficulty in fulfilling family responsibilities. The model became significantly less efficient when including variables such as job satisfaction, job security, time spent in sport, sleeping and leisure. The implications were discussed in the light of international research literature and post-COVID workplace arrangements and flexibilities.