What universities can do to help academics with caring responsibilities

Balancing a career in higher education with family responsibilities is a challenge, especially for primary carers. As an associate professor at a medical college in Dubai, my professional commitments require careful coordination with my personal responsibilities at home. I live with my 73-year-old mother and my 16-year-old son, who has special needs. To maintain a healthy work-life balance, I have to carefully manage these responsibilities alongside each other.

I have a helper who assists with household chores and takes care of my mother during my work hours, which ensures that my household runs smoothly and allows me to focus on my career and family. However, balancing these tasks with my professional duties can be overwhelming, as unexpected caregiving needs or school commitments for my son often disrupt my carefully managed schedule.

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Despite this, prioritising quality time with family remains crucial. I dedicate time each evening to assist my son with his studies and engage in conversations with my mother, to make sure they both feel supported and connected. Ordering groceries online and other time management strategies help streamline household tasks and maximise time spent with family. Nonetheless, these efforts underscore the need for institutional support to navigate the unpredictable demands of caregiving.

Recommendations for higher education leadership

To support primary carers effectively, higher education institutions should consider implementing the following strategies:

Flexible work hours

Flexible work hours accommodate the needs of staff who are balancing work with family responsibilities. It allows primary carers to handle any unforeseen family obligations without it affecting their professional duties. Flexible scheduling improves job performance, reduces stress levels and enhances employee satisfaction and retention. By offering flexibility, universities can create a supportive work environment with higher overall levels of productivity and morale, as research has shown.

Childcare support on campus

Providing on-campus childcare facilities eases the burden on primary carers by offering convenient, reliable childcare solutions. As a result, staff can focus on work and improve their productivity. Not only does it benefit the work-life balance of academics, it also supports single-parent students and helps them concentrate on their studies. On-campus childcare significantly impacts the academic achievements and retention of parent-students, studies show.

Leveraging technology for remote work

Institutions should equip staff with the tools and support to work from home when required, enabling them to maintain productivity while managing family responsibilities. Remote work arrangements can benefit work-life balance and employee satisfaction, studies show, making them a crucial aspect of modern workplace strategies.

Micro-sabbaticals

Short, focused sabbaticals help staff manage family emergencies or personal development needs without requiring long-term leave, alleviating stress and preventing burnout for primary carers

Family-centric mentoring programmes

Mentoring programmes where experienced staff mentor newer employees foster a supportive community, enabling staff to learn effective strategies and share valuable resources for achieving work-life balance.

Caregiver support networks

Internal support networks for staff with caregiving responsibilities, offering regular meetings, workshops and events, provide a platform for sharing experiences and solutions. This boosts morale and creates a sense of community.

Resource allocation for family emergencies

Allocating emergency funds or resources for staff facing sudden family-related crises ensures staff remain productive and engaged during challenging times.

Mindfulness and well-being programmes

Mindfulness workshops, meditation sessions and mental health support tailored to the needs of primary carers help staff manage stress better, leading to improved focus, efficiency and job satisfaction.

Hybrid role structures

Designing hybrid roles allows staff to divide their time between different responsibilities, with flexibility in focus depending on personal needs, reducing conflict between personal and professional roles.

Community engagement initiatives

Encourage participation in community projects, especially ones that align with family interests. This strengthens family bonds and makes work more meaningful, connecting professional and personal life.

Virtual family days

Hosting virtual family days involves families in understanding the work environment and helps them appreciate the significance of the staff’s work.

The integration of support systems, strategic time management and innovative institutional policies is essential for primary carers in higher education to achieve a sustainable work-life balance. By adopting flexible work arrangements, providing on-campus childcare and leveraging technology for remote work, institutions can enhance staff well-being and productivity. Measures like these mean primary carers can fulfil professional roles without compromising family commitments, leading to a happier and more supportive workplace for everyone.

Ambreen Ansar is a lecturer in public health at Dubai Medical College for Girls.

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