The research conducted by the Doha International Family Institute (DIFI) at Qatar Foundation has led to a change of government policy that will mean more flexible working hours for Qatari women.
As part of its role in maintaining family cohesion in Qatar and the Arab region, and through its commitment to supporting work-family balance, the institute conducted a study, Work-Family Balance: Challenges, Experiences and Implications for Families in Qatar, aimed at helping Qatar-based families and individuals balance their caregiving responsibilities and work requirements.
Following the results of the study, DIFI submitted a recommendation to the Office of the Prime Minister to amend Qatar’s working hours policy. The government has now issued a decision that guarantees to provide working Qatari women with more flexible options that take into account their conditions and needs, especially those relating to their families.
This policy will enable Qatari women to balance the needs and requirements of caring for their families and children, and their work obligations.
Enhancing a capable and motivated workforce
DIFI Executive Director Dr Sharifa Al-Emadi expressed her appreciation of the Cabinet’s approval of the draft decision on the terms and conditions of the part-time system in public agencies.
She said that enhancing and developing a capable and motivated workforce is an essential step to establishing the human development pillar in Qatar National Vision 2030.
Al-Emadi said that increasing professional support opportunities for Qatari women helps them greatly in achieving balance between their professional and family obligations and also encourages more Qatari women to pursue a professional experience and actively participate in building our country.
The decision taken by Qatar’s government moves in this direction, so we extend our sincere thanks to our government for the importance it attaches to ensuring Qatari families attain a work-life balance, and its keenness to guarantee the highest levels of family welfare.
The DIFI study showed that pressures resulting from long working hours pose more burdens on individuals, preventing them from meeting family requirements. Working mothers are particularly affected by these pressures. The study also indicated that working hours consumed the larger part of their day, leaving them unable to spend enough time with their families.
Additionally, a lack of workplace support and the absence of adequate flexible work hours arrangements have been identified as posing a major obstacle to attaining work-family balance for female employees. The nature of work that requires employees to be present in person in the workplace also threatens work-family balance, even more so for females compared to males. Seventy-five per cent of those surveyed by DIFI for the study stressed the importance of having a part-time or flexible work system to support employees and their family life.
Qatar’s investment in education has led to Qatari women obtaining a high level of learning and aspiring to have successful careers and the opportunity to improve standards of social welfare. However, Qatari women are also determined to maintain their role as caregivers for their children and other family members. DIFI, therefore, believes that greater working flexibility can be a positive step towards encouraging more women to join the workforce.
Visit difi.org.qa for updates and more information.
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