The balance between work and family among Omani female workers: experiences and challenges

Oman’s economy has grown tremendously in recent decades. Social development and educational progress have both paved the way for greater participation of women in the labor force, leading to challenges in the work-life balance. Working women are torn between responsibilities in the home and workplace, creating a demand for new social development, employment law and work policies, and a redefinition of family dynamics. The research project outlined in this paper has sought to highlight each of these issues. Its findings are based on a qualitative study conducted in 2017 on a sample of working Omanis, addressing the principal challenges that Omani women face related to achieving their aspirations in regard to work and family life. Based on the data, the study concludes that greater flexibility in working arrangements for Omani women would ease the stress and exhaustion that inhibit them from attaining an effective work-life balance within the arena of these activities.