UAE: Working mothers seek flexibility as they return to work – News

Flexibility remains the top priority for mothers returning to work in the UAE, with 76.8 per cent ranking it 5 out of 5 on the matrix, according to a recent survey released by UAE employment platform Beyond Careers. Among the other key findings, positive work culture, compensation, and career progression were also highlighted as sought-after benefits.

The study, launched on International Women’s Day 2024, was conducted on a data sample of 115 responses, with approximately 92 per cent of respondents being mid-senior level female professionals residing in the UAE aged between 31 and 50 years. The survey revealed that 56.2 per cent of respondents have felt pressured or harassed, made to leave a job, or not been offered a role due to pregnancy or pre- or post-natal issues.

Rowen Nadia, Founder of Beyond Careers, emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges faced by mothers returning to the workforce. She stated, “Forward-thinking companies stand to strengthen their corporate reputation and gain access to an untapped pool of experienced senior talent through the implementation of people-centric systems and policies.”

The survey also highlighted the diversity of the UAE, with 29 nationalities represented in the responses. Insights ranged from perceptions of the pay gap to the importance of raising awareness about women’s health and related matters in the workplace.

Regarding family planning, 64.7 per cent of respondents acknowledged that they have been affected by or delayed family planning due to a lack of support in their professional environment. The Return-to-Work Survey was conducted in partnership with the British Chamber of Commerce Dubai, under the leadership of CEO Katy Holmes.

Holmes noted, “There are two rising scenarios in Dubai, highly experienced and time-constricted women looking to return to work and company founders who are ‘lonely at the top’ and would hugely benefit from senior counsel on a part-time basis.”

The UAE has made significant strides in advancing women’s empowerment and gender balance, with business leaders encouraged to support national targets and commitments through the implementation of people-centric systems and policies. Enterprises like Marc Ellis offer tailored career coaching services aimed at enhancing the CVs of women returning to work, helping them highlight their skills and address any gaps in employment history.

Aws Ismail of Marc Ellis stated, “We advocate their skills and availability to clients and offer upskilling and reskilling through our training academy, helping them fill any gaps in their skillsets. This approach aims to ease their transition back into the workforce, securing positions that value their experience while accommodating their personal commitments.”

The survey results shed light on the challenges and priorities of mothers returning to work in the UAE, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, positive work culture, and support for career progression. As companies and policymakers work towards creating more inclusive and supportive environments, the hope is to empower women to thrive in their professional endeavors while balancing their personal responsibilities.