A growing number of UAE-based companies are introducing miscarriage bereavement leave, acknowledging the emotional toll of pregnancy loss on both women and men.
This progressive shift in workplace wellness policies comes as over 20 percent of pregnancies globally—and in the UAE—end in miscarriage, yet 95 percent of affected employees take no time off to recover.
A call for corporate empathy
Armin Jamula, co-founder of ItsHerWay, called the lack of time off after pregnancy loss a “painful blind spot in corporate empathy.” His initiative urges businesses to normalise conversations around miscarriage and offer actionable support to grieving parents.
The idea is resonating with employers. Myra Bennett of Genie Recruitment noted some companies already offer compassionate leave, which—even if shorter than maternity leave—makes a meaningful impact.
Small gestures, big impact
HR professionals stress that showing empathy doesn’t mean crossing personal boundaries. Simple check-ins and supportive words can make a significant difference. “Knowing someone sees you at your lowest and chooses to support you means everything,” one HR leader said.
Fatima Ahmed from Pathfinder Global FZCO emphasised the need for managers to be trained in empathetic communication, privacy, and cultural sensitivity. “This isn’t just policy—it’s leadership with heart,” she said.
Companies are also being encouraged to partner with local therapists and mental health professionals to provide support.
Zaid Alhiali of Marc Ellis said flexible return-to-work policies and temporary remote work options are among the ways businesses can show real care.
What the UAE law says
Legal expert Ashish Mehta clarified that under UAE Labour Law, women are entitled to 60 days of maternity leave if delivery occurs at six months or later—even in cases of stillbirth or postnatal death.
In addition, employees of any gender are eligible for three days of paid bereavement leave upon the loss of a child. While the law does not explicitly define the child’s age, Mehta said foetuses older than six months may be recognised under bereavement provisions.
Bd-pratidin English/FNC
