I’m sharing my own “return to work” story for two main reasons: - to encourage employers to be more open minded and to see the potential of hiring on a flexible basis for long term gain - to show that a woman’s career can take a pause and then restart with great benefit for business! Dubai has an untapped pool of talent of women with fantastic career experience who feel too restricted to apply for 9-5 roles. To quote the Founder of UK’s successful The Flex-Appeal Campaign Anna Whitehouse: “Part-time doesn’t mean part-talented, part-ambitious, part-driven, part-arsed. It’s not office code for ‘slacker’; It’s not a case of “she only works part-time” or “he’s just a part-timer”. It simply means fewer days on less pay.” There’s great opportunity for the businesses that can get this right: According to PwC Middle East: Women returning to the workforce following a career break have the potential to contribute nearly $385 billion to aggregate gross domestic product of nine countries in the Middle East and North Africa region. The MENA Beyond Careers survey tells us: 79% of women experienced a lack of confidence returning to the workplace after taking a career break. Would love to hear your thoughts. Full interview below, my thanks to Gulf News and The Loop
Hema Vyas
5d
A much needed post and I couldn't agree more. I recently withdrew a job application because the recruiter insisted working for 4 hrs a day, 5 days a week was considered part time. I'd also like to add that I find there could be a lot more work done in relation to clarity on pay and benefits instead of providing vague salary bands. It's a real waste of time for all parties involved. And a shame. So much untapped potential resource.
Thank you for sharing your vulnerability Katy. Removing the imposter and remembering we are still 'good enough' and that we 'do matter' is a vital mindset after taking time out to raise families. Many of us also forget how some women experience huge physical or mental medical issues following birth with many women suffering from post-natal depression but is not discussed or treated. We need to make more of a conscious effort to support women both emotionally and mentally when returning to the workplace.
Jen Blandos
1w
It's such a missed opportunity for companies that they're not willing to consider part-time or freelance workers. Often you'll end up accessing skills of some highly talented people, who can often deliver to the same level or more as a full time person, but they're working flexibly or part-time to spend more time with family, or on personal interests. When I used to have my training business, almost all of my freelance trainers were mums who didn't want to go back to work full time and they were incredible trainers. It's the way of the future, and any company that adopts these hiring practices will benefit.
There needs to be more flexible working here in the UAE. The options are growing, but still behind companies in Europe. I worked in the NHS for 15 years and many of my colleagues worked part time. If anything, they probably worked harder than those who were full time, to fit everything in a shorter week. There is so much evidenve out there to suggest flexible working benefits both employees and employers, and women, especially, lose out when flexible working options are not offered.
I love this!! At an event I attended recently about mums getting back to work. They said, women go back to work, but at home are still the main care taker, the organiser, the logistics management. The responsibilities of still managing and running the family along side having a full time job is insane. It’s such a load, and often men work harder having the “bread winning” job, which means their contributions to the family can be left. Meaning there is 2 huge loads on the mum! We are lucky we can have additional paid for help here. But they are still not mum! Loved this post! X
Adam Chapo
6d
Katy Holmes, It's great to see your emphasis on the wealth of talent among women in Dubai seeking part-time roles without compromising on skill or ambition. This mindset is crucial for SMEs here, where the UAE often leads in adopting innovative workforce practices. Your point about "part-time does not equate to part-talent" is spot on. It's time for more SMEs to break free from outdated stereotypes and recognise the value of flexible, skilled professionals. Your call for businesses to think beyond traditional norms is timely and essential for building more inclusive workplaces. Keep driving this important conversation forward!
Karen Day
6d
I am one of them! Definitely an untapped market. It’s absolutely nothing to do with not wanting to work full time. We want to balance the working and school hours as a family so we can provide for each other while also having quality time. An employer that respects this is a win for me, and will also gain my respect, and I’ll likely stick with them for much longer. 🙏
Anika C.
1w
Agreed, although I do feel all women from all backgrounds still need to have the chance to fullfil a career, even women who have decided not to get married and have children who have a life fully dedicated to their careers. Women overall do struggle with employment, but women like men do also need to fund their own living expenses and save for their elder years. Overall, women from all backgrounds deserve a chance to add value to organisations, customers and consumers they serve and flexibility should be available for both men and women, in organisations.
Thank you for sharing your vulnerability Katy Holmes. We need more discussions on this topic. It’s ok for women to take a break without the fear and anxiety that they won’t find a job when they want to return to work.
Helping professionals to LEAD and LIVE with confidence, joy and energy. Set boundaries without guilt, fear or shame | Certified Therapist & Coach | Former Corporate Leader & Mentor | Motivational Speaker
1wThe sentence that stood out for me: 'a huge opportunity to hire an EXPERIENCED and WILLING workforce who may not be there from 8 am to 6 pm but will probably provide GREATER VALUE, SENIOR-level COUNSEL for the founder/MD, and deliver with FEROCIOUS efficiency.' Part-time or flexible roles are an amazing way to get talent when you're still early in the game (SMEs) and can only commit to part-time. Many mums would pick up the work after bath, dinner and bedtime - which means you've got stuff ready when you wake up. And they get their moments with the kids. A client of mine (a high performer in her industry) with whom we worked on building her confidence back to nail those interviews and ask for what she wanted initially said to me: 'My confidence is so low. I haven't worked for three years. Who will want to hire me? How can I be credible? No big corporation will give me flexibility in this industry.' I did nothing wrong. I just wanted to be present for my children. I also realized this would save our marriage if we did not have two overly stressed working parents for a while.' Her confidence is back and even stronger, but how many women do not dare to seek work for fear of repeatedly being turned down and looked down on?