Empowering Working Mothers: UAE's Revolutionary Remote Work System
- by WONDERMOM
- Feb. 3, 2024
In a stride towards supporting the unique challenges faced by working mothers, a Federal National Council (FNC) member, Maryam Majid bin Thaniah, has proposed a revolutionary move in the UAE - a remote work system tailored for the needs of working mothers with children aged under 10. This proposal aims to address the crucial role mothers play in the early development years of their children.
Remote Work System: A Lifeline for Working Mothers
Bin Thaniah's proposal suggests that certain working mothers be allowed to carry out their duties remotely from home, providing them with the flexibility needed to balance professional responsibilities with the demands of motherhood. The proposal extends this option to mothers caring for children with special needs and those looking after elderly parents.
She further advocates for a dual system where mothers could work in the office during the first half of the day and remotely from home in the second half, showcasing a flexible approach to accommodate the diverse needs of working mothers.
Addressing Working Mothers' Challenges: Federal Authority for Human Resources Responds
In response to the proposal, Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, the Minister of State for Government Development and the Future, highlighted the ongoing efforts made by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources to create a flexible and supportive work environment for all employees, with a specific focus on working mothers caring for special groups.
Al Roumi emphasized various measures and regulations supporting work flexibility, such as part-time, temporary, flexible, and full-time employment patterns granted by Federal Decree Law No. (49) of 2022. Additionally, she highlighted the approval of a weekly work system reducing working days to four and a half days, providing the authority to regulate flexible working hours and remote work.
UAE's Exceptional Adaptability: A Beacon of Remote Work Implementation
The proposal aligns with the UAE's exceptional adaptability showcased during the Covid-19 pandemic. The country demonstrated flexibility through its legislative and administrative structure, positioning itself at the forefront of remote work implementation globally.
Al Roumi also mentioned specific initiatives, such as Circular No. (2) of 2022, allowing federal government employees to work remotely on Fridays, and executive regulations of the Human Resources Law, including provisions supporting working mothers in terms of leave and accompanying a patient.
Furthermore, she underlined the remote work system for federal government employees approved by UAE Cabinet No. (27) of 2020, offering flexibility and support without compromising employee rights or work performance. The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has prepared a general framework for work flexibility, set to launch soon for use by federal authorities.