DUBAI: Four in 10 women in the Middle East and North Africa region (Mena) are happy with their jobs on an overall level, and as many feel otherwise, a Bayt.com survey reveals.
Despite this, levels of motivation at the workplace are high, with 57 percent claiming to be ‘motivated’ or ‘highly motivated’ compared to 23 percent who are ‘not so’ or ‘not at all motivated’.
More than a third of women (37 percent) are unhappy with their current degree of financial independence, and 46 percent are unhappy with the remuneration they receive. Beyond this, though, having their work and achievements recognised is a major boon for half of the women (49 percent).
Training and development opportunities and the potential for career advancement are also of high importance, particularly the latter, as 56 percent of women feel dissatisfied with the prospects of promotions.
The ability to maintain a good work-life balance is a strong motivational factor for 97 percent of women, with 58 percent claiming their current employer supports a healthy balance. This is likely a contributing factor for 80 percent of women to feel satisfied with their familial relationships, while 62 percent are happy with their ability to maintain healthy relationships with family and friends.
Four in 10 (41 percent) women want to stay with their current employer for at least one year, though 73 percent of all employed women are actively looking for a new position or are willing to leave if the right job offer comes their way.
The perceived lack of employment opportunities in the region is likely affecting employees’ ability to change company; 69 percent of women are either ‘somewhat’ or ‘extremely dissatisfied’ with employment opportunities where they live.
Levels of stress among women are high, with 65 percent claiming their everyday life leaves them ‘somewhat’ or ‘extremely stressed’.
While the increasing cost of living is a major contributor to this for 69 percent of women, work-related issues is a significant factor for five in 10 (46 percent) women.
The economic situation in their country of residence is a worry for 44 percent, while 38 percent consider family demands and the inability to maintain a good work-life balance a problem.
On an average working day, half of the women (48 percent) feel stressed – 18 percent of them consider themselves to be under severe stress, with 29 percent stating they face excessive work pressure on a daily basis. A third claim to face such pressure at least once a week.
Despite the perceived levels of stress caused by everyday life and work, 86 percent of women are satisfied with their mental well-being, and 78 percent with their physical well-being.
The Peninsula
