The success of the holiday system depends on expanding the automation of public services. The success of the experiment in other countries does not necessarily mean its success in Jordan.

The “three-day weekend” has topped public discussion in Jordan in the current period, after official sources revealed that an administrative proposal is being studied to reduce the number of weekly working days in government institutions and departments to only four days, as part of keeping pace with global transformations in flexible work systems and improving institutional performance in the public sector.

The sources explained that the proposal faces reservations from some employers in the private sector, which increases the likelihood that the system would be applied only to the public sector if approved, with a focus on developing a regulatory framework that ensures the continuity of official transactions and enables government entities to benefit from comprehensive digitalization.

Part of a global policy

The sources confirmed that the success of this system depends on expanding the automation of public services, noting that digital transformation is a fundamental prerequisite for its implementation without disrupting citizens’ interests or delaying the completion of daily transactions.

Earlier, public-sector development expert Ali Al-Hajajjah explained that this trend is part of a global policy to reduce the number of working days in government departments, especially with the advancement of automation, which reduces the need for the permanent physical presence of employees. He noted that the Jordanian government is currently studying reducing the official working week from five days to four.

Al-Hajajjah indicated that the objectives of this change include reducing traffic congestion, lowering transportation-related costs, and decreasing road-accident rates. He also stressed that many government transactions are now completed via smartphones, which reduces the need for in-person visits to institutions.

Differences in context

He emphasized that the success of the experiment in other countries does not necessarily mean its immediate success in Jordan, due to differences in cultural and administrative contexts. He pointed out the possibility of adopting flexible working arrangements or shift systems to ensure the continuity of services for longer hours and to improve the quality of performance.

Regarding the legal aspects, Al-Hajajjah confirmed that the Labour Law specifies weekly working hours and that vital sectors such as health and education will be excluded from the three-day weekend extension. He stressed the need for a comprehensive study of the entire system before any final implementation.