Work-life balance is key to productivity, study finds

dubai — Over 90 per cent of UAE employees believe that a healthy work-life balance is key to their productivity at work, a new survey by Monster Gulf has revealed.

The survey also found that over half of the survey respondents believed that flexible working hours are a determining factor when trying to establish a balance between work, social activities, and personal interests. While over 70 per cent of the survey respondents believe they are able to balance work and personal responsibilities, almost half said they were unhappy about the time they had with family and friends demonstrating in- coherence between the perception and reality of work-life balance. In addition, 42 per cent of the respondents also cited leaving on time as an important element when trying to achieve a healthy work-life balance, while 40 per cent declared not having to work over holidays is a significant factor.

“The results of our survey highlight the importance of a healthy work-life balance for employees, as well as employers, in the UAE,” said Abhijeet Mukherjee, CEO of Monster, APAC.

“Amid the very busy lifestyle in this part of the world, employees who are afforded benefits that help achieve a better work-life balance, such as flexible working hours or even the ability to leave work on time, are more engaged and more productive at work. Employers who offer such benefits also experience lower staff turnover and an increased ability to attract the best talent.” The UAE’s leadership, he said, has set a great example by implementing new legislations which will positively benefit employees in the government sector and companies in the private sector are clearly following suite.

“While local employers are starting to offer benefits that help create a better work-life balance, businesses must do more to ensure the cultural stigma associated with enhancing the quality of life outside of work evolves so that employees and employers can reap the benefits of improved wellbeing. This is particularly true in the UAE where the job market is becoming increasingly competitive and the importance of being career-oriented is deeply engrained in the expat culture.”

The Dubai Government announced a new human resources legislation last year which includes wider benefits for government employees – including more leave days, flexible working hours and enhanced promotion opportunities. Similar initiatives are now being implemented across the private sector with almost half of respondents claiming their organisations have a work-life balance policy in place compared to only 30 per cent who report no such policies available.