SHARJAH — Health Promotion Department (HPD) at the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah has recently launched the first scientific survey across the Emirate that aims to assess the effectiveness and efficacy of the remote work system and its impact on the social and health aspects of the employees, in light of the changes witnessed by the governmental institutions due to COVID-19 pandemic. Certified by the British Institute for Employment Studies (IES), the survey falls within the implementation phases of the “Wazen” program, the first health survey for Sharjah government employees. The survey is targeting 91 governmental and semi-governmental institutions in Sharjah and it aims at assessing the pros and cons of the remote work system and its effects on the health and social level of employees and measuring employee productivity under this system. Based on the findings, specific mechanisms and strategies will be developed to focus on employee health and to enhance the governmental work system in accordance with the requirements of the current stage. Exploring remote working future Iman Rashid Saif, director of the Health Promotion Department, said: “The partial or full remote working system has raised a lot of questions in terms of the nature of work and the future of vital sectors in view of these global health challenges. In this sense, the HPD has launched this survey which has been carried out in the US, Britain, and India. “Our aim is to explore the future of this work system and its effectiveness and to develop solutions to all the social and health challenges facing the employees engaged in this type of work.” The HPD director added: “This study will help create a database on remote work system, and its impact on the health and fitness of employees. Consequently, health-promoting initiatives, activities, and decisions will be formulated to enhance the health and safety of employees.” Saif pointed out that the HPD is always keen to launch innovative projects and programs to actively participate in strengthening the efforts of the Emirate of Sharjah to be the first healthy city in the region and the world and to provide a better life that guarantees the well-being, safety, and happiness of the community, in accordance with the directives and visions of Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the ruler of Sharjah and chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah. Saif called all employees to participate in the survey to come out with proposals, initiatives, and programs that serve society at large. — SG