Mothers returning to work in the UAE prioritize flexibility, with 76.8 per cent ranking it as their top priority. This information comes from a recent survey conducted by Beyond Careers, a UAE employment platform. Besides flexibility, other sought-after benefits include positive work culture, compensation, and career progression. The survey, launched on International Women’s Day 2024, had 115 respondents, mainly mid-senior level female professionals aged between 31 and 50 years residing in the UAE.
According to the survey, over half of the respondents have experienced pressure or harassment related to pregnancy, leading them to leave a job or not being offered a role due to pre- or post-natal issues. Rowen Nadia, the Founder of Beyond Careers, emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges faced by mothers returning to work. She highlighted the need for people-centric systems and policies in companies to attract experienced senior talent that can contribute despite time constraints. With a focus on creating fair workplaces, Beyond Careers aims to support both employers and candidates seeking flexible opportunities. The diversity of the UAE was also showcased in the survey, with 29 nationalities represented.
Primary care-giving responsibilities affecting women have resulted in delayed family planning for 64.7 per cent of respondents due to a lack of support in the workplace. The survey was conducted in partnership with the British Chamber of Commerce Dubai, led by CEO Katy Holmes. Holmes emphasized the need for experienced women looking to return to work and company founders in search of senior counsel on a part-time basis to benefit from such initiatives. The UAE has been making progress in advancing women’s empowerment and gender balance, with a focus on implementing people-centric policies.
In line with these efforts, businesses like Marc Ellis offer tailored career coaching services to facilitate the return of women to the workforce. AWS Ismail of Marc Ellis mentioned the importance of upskilling and reskilling women to address any gaps in their skillsets and enhance their CVs. By advocating for their skills and availability to clients, Marc Ellis aims to ease the transition back into work for women, allowing them to secure positions that value their experience while accommodating personal commitments. These initiatives play a crucial role in closing the gap for women returning to work in the UAE.
