A recent survey by global HR solutions firm Adecco has revealed that 67% of employees in the UAE are actively looking to change jobs, highlighting a significant trend in job mobility and career exploration. The survey, which collected insights from 507 professionals across various industries, identified several key factors driving this shift, including limited career progression, uncompetitive pay, rising cost of living, poor work-life balance, inadequate employee benefits, and lack of work flexibility.
Mayank Patel, Senior Vice President and head of Adecco EEMENA and country head for the Middle East, said in a Khaleej Times report: “Candidates today are increasingly driven by career pursuits. Discussions during interviews and job negotiations frequently revolve around job security, work-life balance, annual career progression opportunities, and competitive compensation.”
Patel further noted that while salary remains a significant motivator, other factors such as work-life balance, company culture, career prospects, and job security are equally important. “Salary remains a significant motivator for candidates in the UAE, but other factors such as good work-life balance, company culture, career prospects, and job security also play crucial roles,” he said.
The report found that mid-senior level candidates in the technology and software services industry are the most likely to seek new opportunities, followed by those in banking, construction, engineering, logistics, retail, and luxury sectors. Conversely, 15 to 20% of professionals expressed no intention of switching jobs, focusing instead on advancing in their current roles.
“The UAE is experiencing a remarkable transformation in recruitment, driven by a multitude of factors including the increasing expatriate population, rapid technological advancements, a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion, and evolving skill requirements,” added Patel.
Nearly half (46%) of the employees surveyed are optimistic about the UAE job market, particularly in sectors like information technology, software services, retail and luxury, and transport and logistics. Patel concluded that the recruitment landscape in 2024 is expected to see a surge in hiring activities, especially within IT, banking, retail, investments, logistics, e-commerce, hospitality, oil and gas, and sustainable green jobs.