The Community Development Authority, in cooperation with the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, organised participatory design sessions with segments of the community in the Emirate of Dubai. The sessions were held at the Public Prosecution's headquarters in Dubai, with the aim of discussing the topic of work-life balance.
The sessions sought to understand the most prominent challenges associated with the issue based on employees' real experiences, and to uncover their key suggestions regarding best practices that support the enhancement of quality of life in both the workplace and family life.
These sessions are part of the Authority's role in engaging community members and stakeholders to gain a deeper understanding of social issues, listen to their needs and aspirations, and explore solutions and proposals drawn from their real-life experiences — in a way that supports the development of social initiatives and frameworks that are more grounded in reality and more responsive to the community's needs.
The first session addressed the topic of work-life balance with the participation of both male and female employees working in the Emirate of Dubai. It examined the most significant challenges they face in achieving this balance, alongside a review of their proposals for developing more flexible policies and initiatives that support professional stability and enhance quality of life.
The second session was dedicated to working women in the Emirate of Dubai, focusing on their needs and aspirations in the workplace in a way that contributes to their professional empowerment and strengthens their active participation, as well as discussing solutions that support the achievement of balance between their professional and family responsibilities.
Shaikha Al Jarman, Executive Director of the Social Development Sector at the Community Development Authority in Dubai, affirmed that the organisation of these sessions falls within the Authority's approach based on participatory design and the engagement of community members in developing supportive initiatives and frameworks — contributing to the formulation of practical solutions that respond to employees' needs and align with their aspirations for a more balanced and sustainable work environment and family life.
Al Jarman said: