Empowering Mothers: UAE Considers Remote Work Proposal

Remote work system for working mothers

A Federal National Council (FNC) member, Maryam Majid bin Thaniah, has proposed that working mothers, particularly those with children under 10, should be allowed to carry out their duties from home. She suggested a system where mothers could work in the office during the first half of the day and remotely from home in the second half. This proposal aims to address the unique challenges faced by working mothers in balancing their professional and family responsibilities.

The FNC member emphasized that children under 10 years old require their mother's attention and care. The proposal also considers mothers who are responsible for children with special needs and those caring for elderly parents. The remote work system, particularly for this group of employees, could provide a more flexible and accommodating work environment.

Bin Thaniah raised concerns about the recent amendment to working hours in federal authorities, which might increase the burden on female employees, especially those caring for special groups. She questioned the Federal Authority for Human Resources about the measures it takes to address the needs of this category of employees.

In response to the proposal, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future, Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, highlighted the efforts made by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources to provide a flexible and suitable work environment for all employees. She mentioned various measures and regulations that support work flexibility, including part-time, temporary, flexible, and full-time employment patterns granted by Federal Decree Law No. (49) of 2022.

Al Roumi also pointed out the approval of a weekly work system reducing working days to four and a half days, allowing federal government employees to work remotely on Fridays, and executive regulations of the Human Resources Law in the Federal Government that include provisions supporting working mothers in terms of leave and accompanying a patient.

Furthermore, Al Roumi emphasized the remote work system for federal government employees approved by UAE Cabinet No. (27) of 2020, providing flexibility and support without compromising employees' rights or work performance. She mentioned that the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has prepared a general framework for work flexibility, soon to be launched for use by federal authorities.

The proposed remote work system for working mothers aligns with the UAE's demonstrated adaptability during the Covid-19 pandemic, where the country positioned itself at the forefront of remote work implementation globally due to its flexible legislative and administrative structure.

The focus on supporting working mothers reflects the ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive and accommodating work environment, addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by certain groups of employees. The proposal aims to enhance work-life balance and overall job satisfaction for working mothers in the UAE.