In a significant move to improve working conditions in the education sector, Kuwait has officially approved a new seven-hour workday system for private school employees across the country. The landmark decision aims to enhance staff wellbeing while modernizing the private education landscape.
New Framework Details
The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) has formalized the new working hour structure that establishes a seven-hour daily schedule for private school staff. Under this framework, employees will work five days per week with flexibility for schools to reduce daily hours to six, provided the total weekly hours comply with Kuwait's labour regulations.
Key provisions include a mandatory minimum one-hour daily rest period for all employees. The system has been carefully designed to align with Article 65 of Labour Law No. 6 of 2010, which specifically addresses working hours in sectors like education where continuous presence is essential.
Background and Rationale
The decision follows extensive research conducted by PAM's specialized departments in collaboration with the Kuwaiti Federation of Private Schools. The comprehensive study examined the unique operational requirements of private educational institutions, highlighting the varying schedules between Arabic and foreign curriculum schools.
First Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah endorsed the initiative as part of broader efforts to modernize Kuwait's private school environment. The move seeks to balance the interests of school administrations, teaching staff, and the overall educational ecosystem while ensuring operational continuity throughout the school day.
Expected Benefits and Implementation
According to PAM officials, the new system promises multiple advantages for both employees and educational institutions. The primary objectives include enhancing staff wellbeing and job satisfaction, improving operational efficiency, and supporting high-quality teaching standards through structured work schedules.
The framework maintains full compliance with existing labour regulations while accommodating the specific needs of the education sector. Schools are required to implement the changes while ensuring all staff receive their entitled rest periods, creating a fair and sustainable working environment for educators and administrative personnel.
This initiative represents Kuwait's ongoing commitment to modernizing employment standards in specialized sectors and reflects the government's dedication to protecting employee rights while maintaining educational excellence.
