In this regard, HE Aisha Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of Human Resources Policies Sector at the Authority, explained that the launch of the guide comes as part of the Authority’s efforts to develop the institutional  system in the across the Federal Government’s departments, as well as improve government work mechanisms and tools in ministries and federal entities, and ensure the provision of a safe, healthy and stable work environment for employees, whether in their workplaces or working remotely.

She lauded the efforts made by the UAE’s wise leadership to develop the national human capital, its keenness to create a positive and motivating work environment for employees in ministries and federal entities, and   commitment to provide the highest standards of occupational health and safety. These efforts, she stressed, would lead to an increased employee  productivity in the Federal Government, and enhance the attractiveness of the government work environment, making it a safe haven for top talents from all over the world.

HE Aisha Al-Suwaidi confirmed that the launch of the new guide comes as part of the Authority’s endeavors over the past few years, to protect the  Federal Government employees, and increase their awareness about health hazards in the workplace, to ensure their health and safety, at all times, whether working from office, home or field.

She said: “The Guidelines for Occupational Health & Safety in the Office Work Environment comes to cope with the emergency circumstances due to  Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and emerging work patterns as a result.

“Work is no longer limited to office environment, as remote work system has been adopted for employees to perform their duties from home or any other location according the Guidelines for Occupational Health & Safety for the office work environment launched in 2015, in cooperation with expert houses and leading international organizations. The manual was followed by a set of guidelines organizing the work of Federal Government employees during the pandemic, and after their return to workplaces, to ensure their own and their family members’ health and safety.”

Al-Suwaidi added: “Preparation of the Guide to Occupational Health & Safety in the Federal Government’s office work environment (workplaces or home), came based on several references, including the Cabinet Resolution   No. (27) of 2020 on Remote Work System, and the Guidelines for Occupational Health & Safety for the office work environment, and  approved by Institution of Occupational Health & Safety.”

She explained that the guide focuses on educating ministries, federal entities, and employees on a number of issues that should be noted in the work environment, in order to ensure a healthy and safe work environment for employees, pointing out that the Authority is preparing to hold a series of training workshops for officials and employees of ministries and federal entities, aimed at familiarizing them with the guide.

The Executive Director of HR Policies Sector outlined the several criteria that must be taken into account when designing the workspace. These include  insuring the availability of easy access to work tools and materials, according  to their frequency of usage, with placing equipment and tools at appropriate heights facilitate to visual activity, and free movement within the workspace, including. Other criteria include placing the phone near the tools that have multiple uses for the employee, and providing lockable cabinets in the workplace for storing materials and equipment, taking into account the placement of offices near power outlets, and adjusting the height of the seats correctly, making sure to choose the appropriate chair that is comfortable for employees to avoid health problems resulting from office work.

The guide recommends employees to ensure the strength of the Internet, as they will have to send and receive large files during the working day,   communicate with their colleagues and officials at work through e-mail and other of communication. The should use the office desk and avoid sitting on the sofa or on the floor to perform their work, especially if the work often involves the use of a computer, putting their computer, agenda, mobile phone, and anything else they will need while working on the desk.

According to the guide, it is necessary to ensure that the screen is free from glare and flicker, can be easily lowered and raised, and that the work desktop is large enough, to accommodate the screen, keyboard, mouse, papers and other tools in a comfortable way, with a distance of between 45 to 70 cm.

General guidelines for physical health

Some general instructions contained in the guide to employees to protect their physical health include maintaining weight, following healthy dietary pattern, exercising regularly, maintaining a daily morning routine upon waking and starting work, drinking enough water to ensure hydration and mental focus, and eating foods rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, due to their many benefits on the body and psychological well-being.

 Ways to control stress and tension

The guide gives a set of tips and instructions that will reduce the employee level of stress and tension. It recommends allocating a specific time and a quiet place away from sources of disturbance to complete work, and making this a daily routine, although this approach may negatively affect the work if not managed well, choosing a suitable place to work at home, keeping all work tools and belongings in a safe place out of sight. After completing daily tasks, taking short, intermittent and pre-planned breaks, and enjoying favorite hobbies.

Air conditioning and indoor air quality

The guide to Occupational Health & Safety for Office Work Environment in the Federal Government provides a set of important instructions regarding the control of air conditioning systems and air quality in the work environment. It stresses on the need to maintain an appropriate climate and good ventilation in the workplace, having some plants in the office, as plants can purify indoor air, help to get rid of moisture, and ensure the acceptable levels of indoor air quality. Windows must be left open as much as possible  possible to increase air renewal in buildings equipped with mechanical ventilation systems.

Important keyboard control tips

The guide also gives a set of important tips for employees on how to control the keyboard. The mouse must be placed at the same level as the keyboard, to enable keeping the mousing hand and wrist in a comfortable position, and using a seat that suits the employee’s height and seating angle, and has the feature to adjust the height, especially for the lower part of the back, and  putting a pillow on the chair to avoid the problems caused by sitting on it for a long time.

It is noteworthy that the guide is available in electronic form on the Authority's website www.fahr.gov.ae.