An Analysis of the Impact of Remote Work on the Work-Life Balance of Female Employees in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: The worldwide transition to remote work, expedited by the COVID-19 pandemic, has profoundly impacted female employees, especially in Saudi Arabia, where socio-cultural norms and institutional factors significantly shape professional experiences. Women in Saudi Arabia encounter unique obstacles in reconciling professional and familial duties within a conservative societal context, rendering the effects of remote work on their work-life balance a significant subject of investigation.

Purpose: An online survey was given to a diverse cohort of Saudi female employees from various sectors for quantitative analysis. A representative sample was obtained using stratified random sampling. The Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model, work-life balance theory, and feminist theory were used to study remote work, gender roles, and socio-cultural dynamics.

Methods: A quantitative analysis was conducted using an online survey, which was administered to a diverse sample of female employees from various sectors in Saudi Arabia. A stratified random sampling approach was employed to ensure a representative sample. The study was guided by the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model, work-life balance theory, and feminist theory to explore the complex relationship between remote work, gender roles, and socio-cultural dynamics.

Results: Remote work increases flexibility but reinforces gender roles, especially in conservative regions. Insufficient organisational support for balancing work and home life increased stress for many women. The research delineates critical policy and practice deficiencies that obstruct women's capacity to attain a sustainable work-life equilibrium in remote work settings.

Conclusions: The findings underscore the necessity for culturally attuned strategies to assist female employees in remote work environments. Recommendations encompass the implementation of flexible work policies, mental health resources, and targeted organisational support, which are crucial for realising the objectives of Vision 2030 regarding gender equality and enhanced work-life balance in Saudi Arabia.