Work/Life Balance

The policy on Flexible Working Arrangements needs to be amended to be practically more fit for purpose for the field. This has become a pressing issue more than ever and essential to staff wellbeing. The element of accountability of managers in the uniform implementation of the policy shall also be a priority within the wider scope of accountability under the Delegation of Authority. As work/life balance has also become a major element of staff retention, talent attraction and gender balance, it is essential for both women and men to be able to work and produce while maintaining their personal life. It is a requirement for true equality that is not about numbers but about respect, empathy, and the ability to serve with dignity, knowing that our organization stands by us through every stage of life.

Women in the field often serve far from their families or children, face emotional, health and logistical challenges that must not be overlooked. We also do recognize that the struggle to balance family and career is not limited to women. Fathers, and indeed all staff — whether caring for elderly dependents, supporting family members in need, or coping with personal loss — face similar pressures that deeply affect their well-being and performance. The UN must acknowledge these realities with empathy and flexibility, ensuring that our policies reflect the human side of service: understanding, compassion, and real support when life’s challenges arise.