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UAE - Ensuring a healthy work-life balance can be very challenging for full-time professionals. However, experts say that companies in the UAE are on the right track to making it easier for their employees to achieve this goal.
A recent survey by Aetna International found that 73 per cent of UAE workers feel they enjoy a healthy work-life balance, thanks to the support and opportunities provided by their employers. In addition, 34 per cent of employees believe their workplace encourages innovation and creativity, with the same percentage stating that their place of employment promotes diversity, team building and engaging activities.
When it comes to loyalty to their workplace, 40 per cent said their line manager is the main driver, while 38 per cent said the brand reputation of the company they work for is the main reason.
"Achieving work-life balance may be more challenging in today's hectic environment, but it remains very important for UAE professionals," said Suhail Masri, VP of employer solutions at Bayt.com. "Surveys conducted by Bayt.com repeatedly find that workplace elements relating to work-life balance are on the radar for the majority of job seekers; and that 82 per cent of UAE job seekers say work-life balance is 'extremely' or 'somewhat' important in the workplace."
Masri added: "Work-life balance is not only beneficial for the employee, in terms of reducing occupational stress and increasing satisfaction; it also significantly enhances the company's productivity and their talent attraction and retention efforts. Companies can take several measures to improve work-life balance for their employees, such as offering remote-work options, flexible hours and a relaxed work environment."
According to the Bayt.com poll 'Preferred Work Arrangements in the Middle East and North Africa', 85.9 per cent of professionals prefer to work for an employer who offers 'flexible hours' and 79 per cent prefer to work for an employer who offers 'remote-work' options.
Experts have also pointed out that it is often harder for women working full time to achieve their desired work-life balance as they need to dedicate more time to taking care of their families and children.
Reem BinKaram, director of NAMA Women Advancement Establishment, said that maintaining a healthy work-life balance is more important now than it has ever been. "As we see an ever-increasing number of opportunities for women in the workplace, particularly in senior management roles, there has to be room for flexibility without compromising on quality in playing a leading role in the family as well as the business."
"Wherever we are physically, we can be connected to our work through our electronic devices," she said, adding that this can act as either a blessing or a curse. "In one way, we have to be careful that we set time aside for ourselves, and not be a slave to our work; and in another, it helps us to work remotely so that we are not tied to an office environment."
Her thoughts were echoed by Sheikha Hind bint Majid Al Qassimi, acting chairperson of the Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC).
"The number of startups owned and managed by women is increasing at a rate we have never seen before, and their ambition, professionalism and will to succeed has never been greater," she said. "At SBWC, we are witnessing and encouraging a new generation of female entrepreneurs, who have exceptional talent, but are also aware that they have a responsibility to themselves and their families to enjoy a healthy work life balance."
This, she noted, can be achieved through implementing flexible hours and making sure that a long-term strategy is in place, rather than an all-consuming initial period, where work becomes an obsession and free time is a rare luxury.
Such incentives were also highlighted in Aetna International's survey results, which showed that 47 per cent of workers would welcome flexible working hours, and 39 per cent saying that working from home at least a few times a month would allow them to have a healthy work-life balance. In addition, 52 per cent of women said that being given a special day off work to celebrate a birthday or special event would be a key incentive.
"In line with the government's vision to make Dubai the happiest city on Earth, it is clear that a large majority of UAE workers feel they are striking the right balance between work and health," said Aetna International's CEO for EMEA, David Healy.
"It is reassuring to know that employers take the health of those working for them seriously and that overall, there are processes in place to offer support, guidance and career opportunities for staff."
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