Dubai: One third of UAE residents spend as littles as five hours a week or less with their family, according to a recent survey.
The study, which was commissioned by Majid Al Futtaim, showed that residents do not prioritise enough quality time with their family.
The survey was carried out among over 1,000 people in the UAE, with statistics indicating that nearly everyone – 93 per cent – in the country is happiest when spending time with friends and family.
However, 30 per cent said they spend just five hours or less a week doing so.
The research also showed that nearly half of residents, 46 per cent, recognise that they waste at least two weekends per month by not spending quality time with friends and family, while 48 per cent turn down offers to meet loved ones at least twice a month.
Vino El Khatib, Chief Marketing Officer at Majid Al Futtaim Holding, said: “We were inspired to conduct our study into the drivers of happiness when His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum made it a key component of the country’s national plan.”
The survey also showed that four-fifths (81 per cent) of people surveyed also agreed they need to prioritise more time for the people they love.
“When we got the findings, they highlighted a clear need to encourage people to devote more time to doing what they enjoy the most – spending quality time with friends and family – as in today’s fast-paced, hyperconnected world this all too often takes a back seat,” said El Khatib.
Tips on how to keep a work-life balance
Come in relaxed. If you need to, take 10 minutes to shower and change before you sit down with the children. Children pick up on moods and will sense your unhappiness with the family routine if you run in, complaining about hold ups at work, or missed meals and late bedtimes.
Come in and eat with your children. If it’s late and they’ve already eaten, you can still sit down and enjoy a light snack and a chat with them before they go to bed.
Do something together. It doesn’t have to be anything special or take very long, as your children will just enjoy being around you for a short time each day.
Enjoy the bedtime routine. Make room for bathtime, storytime, or both if there’s enough time.
Make one night your special night. It could either be movie night or computer game night, but do dedicate a night just for them.
Source: familylives.org.uk
