Petroleum Development Oman policies keep women smiling

Muscat: Many young women start along a bright career path, only to find that they have to give up their jobs to focus on their role as mothers. But now some companies, such as the Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), are rethinking their policies to ensure women can balance work and family life.

Four of PDO’s top women executives out in the field. Ruqaiya Al Hinai, Ibtisam Al Riyami, Intisar Al Kindy and Haifa Al Khaifi.Photo - Supplied by PDO

The PDO doesn't have a quota for female employees, but in order to make sure it doesn't lose its talented female staff, it has implemented policies that make it easier for women to progress in their careers. 

The policies include extended maternity leave and the option of a sabbatical leave for up to two years, flexible working hours, and facilities to work off-site, such as video conferencing, which allows women to work from home if necessary. There are also dedicated rooms for nursing and an on-site clinic. 

Besides, women face fewer penalties in terms of voluntary early retirement.

The PDO's Finance Director, Haifa Al Khaifi, who is one of the five women on the Managing Director's Committee, says that part of the reason she has stayed with the company for 19 years, and plans to continue working there until her retirement, is because of the flexibility it offers its female employees.

"It's a very supportive environment. So much thought has gone into ensuring that it is really an inclusive company," Haifa says.

The PDO has made it easier for women working in the field. There are now housing and toilet facilities for women, women-only fitness centres, female health care staff, and even coveralls designed for Muslim women. 

Women employees can also undergo  technical training here, and recently, the PDO had 15 young female graduates complete a field operations engineers programme aimed at letting women do jobs that were previously only done by men.

"In some ways, at the PDO, we've had very influential leadership characters who always made a conscious effort to look after the female talent. Our current management is very supportive of the female agenda," says Ibtisam Al Riyami, PDO's People and Change Director.

She says the company consciously tries to identify and remove any gender bias. The company also assesses the number of women who are in its "talent pipeline" and if it seems lacking, they reflect on the reasons and actively look for talented female staff.

The PDO's women can also look to each other for support. Abla Al Riyami, the Gas Director, helped found the Hawa Women's Network at the PDO which offers networking and mentoring circles.

"It was for the purpose creating an environment where women can help themselves to develop," Abla explains. While the company does a lot to ensure women are happy on the job, Haifa says there are things women can do for themselves, too, such as keeping mentally, spiritually and physically fit. She runs, lifts weights, and has learned to sail and golf.

"It is so important to have stability and mental resilience. You come across so many things, including things that may be emotionally challenging. It's important to be able to take things in your stride and just move on. And sometimes you need physical strength and stamina when everyone else in your team wants to give up. You have to be their anchor, unshaken by anything that is thrown your way," Haifa explains.

Ibtisam also has good advice for career-driven women, especially when it comes to balancing work and family life. She says women shouldn't be afraid to avail of their full maternity leave, as they will have years ahead of them to focus on their jobs.

"When my second son was born I had a strong career and very intense projects. I had him but I was under pressure and I returned to work on the 31st day. I say never, ever do that. As long as your career is progressing in that direction, keep in mind that you're there for the long haul. Do not deprive your child of a couple of months of very important time because of your career," she says.

Her colleague Intisar Al Kindy, the Exploration Director, agrees. "It's alright to slow down a little bit. 

Once you slow down, you allow yourself to excel later. It's about pacing your life and your career. It's not about choice. It's about embracing both," she explains.

Source: timesofoman.com