Fathers’ Experiences of Juggling Work and Family Life in Abu Dhabi Workplaces

Martina Dickson (), Jessica Midraj, Melissa McMinn, Hala Sukkar, Maram Alharthi and Barbara Read
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Martina Dickson: Curriculum & Instruction Division, Emirates College for Advanced Education, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 126662, United Arab Emirates
Jessica Midraj: Independent Researcher, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Melissa McMinn: Initial Teacher Education, Open Polytechnic, Lower Hutt 5040, New Zealand
Hala Sukkar: Curriculum & Instruction Division, Emirates College for Advanced Education, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 126662, United Arab Emirates
Maram Alharthi: Curriculum & Instruction Division, Emirates College for Advanced Education, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 126662, United Arab Emirates
Barbara Read: School of Education, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK

Social Sciences, 2024, vol. 13, issue 11, 1-17

Abstract: In academic literature, fathers often cite barriers related to their employment, which may halt or negatively influence their level of involvement with their children. This is sometimes reported in relation to practices and policies around leave, such as for new-born children or child illness, and flexibility in leaving the workplace to attend key events in children’s lives. Research has also shown that fathers receiving validation of their paternal status in the workplace is an important factor for fathers’ emotional well-being, work life balance, and self-efficacy. In this study, we look at the needs and priorities of fathers working in the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Abu Dhabi. We used in-depth one-on-one interviews with employed fathers ( n = 50) in order to create a detailed picture of their lived experiences, and with human resources personnel ( n = 3) to understand if/how fathers are supported in the workplace. We discuss the implications of these experiences and present fathers’ suggestions for employers and workplaces to provide further support to nurture working conditions in which a work–life balance and employee well-being are more likely to be achieved.

Keywords: flexible work; workplace culture; well-being; family friendly; gendered roles; paternal (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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