Thirty-eight per cent of professionals in the Middle East want to work from home permanently even after Covid-19 subsides, according to a new report analysing the impact of the pandemic on work culture.
A further 32 per cent of those surveyed also said they would like a hybrid working model, spending at least 50 per cent of their time working remotely this year, the survey by global recruitment consultancy Robert Walters said.
“2020 was the year of the world’s largest remote working experiment and employers would be amiss to think that there wouldn’t be some long-term changes to employee expectations as a result,” Jason Grundy, managing director at Robert Walters Middle East, said.
“We anticipate that some of the changes incorporated into workplaces as a result of Covid-19 will be more enshrined in day-to-day working environments going forward … for some professional industries there will be an element of remote working embedded for good,” he added.
The report, which surveyed 1,000 professionals, found nearly 73 per cent of respondents enjoyed the flexible hours afforded by remote working and over a third (31 per cent) said working from home allowed for an increased focus on personal well-being.
More than six in 10 businesses surveyed pledged to respond positively to the change in employees’ expectations, Robert Walters said.
At the top of the employers’ list is reducing or reconfiguring office space (28 per cent), implementing enhanced mental health and well-being policies (38 per cent) and increasing investment in technology and tools (43 per cent) required for smooth remote working.
However, a quarter of companies said their “traditional senior leadership” will be a key barrier to allowing remote working in future.
“There are a number of hidden benefits to office working – such as providing structure, professional and personal support and social interaction,” said Mr Grundy.
“While there is no right answer … companies will really need to take stock of working practices this year to see what will best serve the needs of both employees and the business in the long term,” he added.
Almost 42 per cent of respondents said that compulsory remote working encouraged them to improve their business communication in 2020. Virtual presentations, over-the-phone discussions and video calls were key drivers in this.
More than 30 per cent of the professionals avoided sending emails as their primary form of workplace communication. They opted for other ways of communications including instant messenger (71 per cent), video calls (69 per cent) and telephone calls (62 per cent).
Healthy tips to remember
Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:
Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast
Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits
Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day
Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet
No more lice
Defining head lice
Pediculus humanus capitis are tiny wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The adult head louse is up to 3mm long, has six legs, and is tan to greyish-white in colour. The female lives up to four weeks and, once mature, can lay up to 10 eggs per day. These tiny nits firmly attach to the base of the hair shaft, get incubated by body heat and hatch in eight days or so.
Identifying lice
Lice can be identified by itching or a tickling sensation of something moving within the hair. One can confirm that a person has lice by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or lice. Head lice are most frequently located behind the ears and near the neckline.
Treating lice at home
Head lice must be treated as soon as they are spotted. Start by checking everyone in the family for them, then follow these steps. Remove and wash all clothing and bedding with hot water. Apply medicine according to the label instructions. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not re-treat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb.
After the initial treatment, check for, comb and remove nits and lice from hair every two to three days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.
Courtesy Dr Vishal Rajmal Mehta, specialist paediatrics, RAK Hospital
