Work-life balance is an essential aspect of living and working in any country. Below are several tips to guide expats in finding a successful work-life style in Kuwait. Layboard has uncovered all the secrets to maintaining a balance between work and private life.
Prioritize family and private time
Family holds great importance in Arabian society. This provides an opportunity to create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds. For instance, if you are working in Kuwait https://layboard.in/vacancies/jobs-in-kuwait, it is essential to keep the line between your work and private time.
Be mindful of public holidays
Keeping in mind the national holidays in Kuwait is useful for planning your schedule and understanding the cultural significance of these days. Therefore, it is very important to remember a few of the main holidays in the country.
- The Muslim holiday calendar: Country lives on the Islamic lunar day calendar, meaning that the timing of national holidays changes every year. The lunar calendar is based on the observation of moon, so holidays can shift by about 10 or 11 days each year in relation to the Gregorian date.
- Islamic festivals: The two main Islamic celebrations in SA are Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. While Eid al-Fitr marks the completion of Ramadan, the fasting month in Islam, Eid al-Adha commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham) willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. These holidays are celebrated with prayers, feasts, family gatherings and acts of charity.
- The national holiday: Kuwait celebrates its national day on 23 September each year. National Day is marked by a variety of celebrations, including fireworks, parades, cultural events, and patriotic demonstrations.
Maintain a good work-life fit
Achieving a positive balance between work and life is important for overall happiness and productivity. Set your priorities and establish clear boundaries between your work and personal life. Determine what is most valuable to you and allocate your time accordingly. This can involve scheduling time with family, your hobbies, personal care, and relaxation. Develop good quality time management practices to maximise your time at work. Prioritise your work, delegate whenever possible, and avoid overcommitting. Use tools such as calendars, to-do lists, or productivity apps to organise and track your tasks.
- Establish stable working hours and try to stick around them. Make sure to include periodic breaks, exercise, relaxation, and health activities in your daily routine.
- Set boundaries between your personal and professional life by disconnecting from communication and work-related tasks in your private time. Avoid responding to office emails and business calls outside of work hours if possible.
- Communicate openly with your employer about your goals and concerns regarding work-life balance. Discuss potential changes or flexible working arrangements that can help you achieve a better balance without compromising your performance.
Connect to international communities
Who are they, you may ask? Expatriate communities, also known as expatriate communities, are groups of people who live and work outside their home countries. These communities are made up of people who have moved to another country, often for employment or other personal reasons. Expatriate communities can be found in different parts of the world and are often formed by people from the same country or cultural background who share common experiences and challenges of living abroad. Look for expat communities in SA to connect with fellow immigrants who understand the challenges of life and work in another country.
Expat communities provide a support network of people who understand the challenges and experiences of living abroad. Networking with other expats can also lead to valuable professional connections and opportunities. In addition, expatriate communities organize social activities, events and gatherings that foster friendships and connections. These may include cultural festivals, sports clubs, language exchange programmes or themed evenings.
In addition, expatriate communities organise social activities, events and gatherings that foster friendships and connections. These may include cultural festivals, sports clubs, language exchange programmes or theme parties. Participating in such events can help you make new friendships and build a network of social contacts.
We advise you to look for online forums and social media groups dedicated to expat communities in Kuwait. These platforms provide an avenue to connect with like-minded individuals, seek advice, and participate in discussions. Popular platforms include Facebook groups, expat forums, and LinkedIn groups.
Respect local laws and customs
The country has a unique cultural and legal framework deeply rooted in Islamic traditions. Kuwait follows strict adherence to Islamic practices and customs. It is important to familiarize yourself with basic Islamic principles and respect local customs. A few important points to keep in mind before coming to the country.
Dress modestly and conservatively, especially in public areas and religious sites. Women are expected to wear loose-fitting, non-transparent clothing that covers their arms and legs, and to cover their hair with a headscarf (hijab). Men should avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless shirts in public. In Kuwait, there is strict gender segregation in many public spaces and establishments. Be mindful of this and respect the separation of men and women in public transport, restaurants, and social gatherings.
Public displays of affection, including holding hands or embracing, are generally not acceptable in Kuwaitn culture. Maintain appropriate behavior and avoid actions that may be considered offensive or indecent.
The consumption of alcohol and pork is strictly prohibited in Kuwait due to Islamic religious beliefs. It is important to adhere to these restrictions and abstain from consuming or possessing these items.
