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UAE: 65% of employees plan to look for new jobs over next six months

Additionally, 78% of workers believe that businesses will have a hard time finding replacement staff

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Nearly two-thirds, or 65 per cent, of employees in the UAE are planning to look for a new role in the first six months of 2022, as the drive for higher salaries and better benefits takes hold, said a new survey released by Robert Half, a recruitment consultancy firm.

The study found that employees are feeling positive about their job prospects for 2022. In addition to the three in 10 workers who were seeking new roles at the end of 2021, 15 per cent will start their search for a new job with the new year. A further 19 per cent will look for a new role in Q2, which for many will follow an annual bonus payment.

Increased confidence in the UAE economy is driving ambition amongst nearly half — 46 per cent — of those who will look for a new role, who were previously waiting until the economy was more stable.

Around 25 per cent of employees admitted that they have been remaining in their current role to maintain financial security while the pandemic continued to create uncertainty, however, it seems that those concerns are rapidly dissipating.

While this level of movement is healthy, and a good sign for the local economy, it does mean that employers should prepare for employees to move on — or put additional measures in place to aid retention. Only 18 per cent of jobseekers say there is nothing their organisation could do to entice them to stay, which suggests that most employers will be able to avoid heavy losses if they take action soon.

“Offering your current and prospective employees competitive pay and benefits is important for both retention and attraction but offering flexibility through remote or hybrid working is becoming more and more important — especially when you’re employing expats,” said Gareth El Mettouri, associate director for Robert Half Middle East.

“Appetite to move to the UAE, especially from the UK, is on the rise, but in a competitive market offering flexible working arrangement is one way to improve your business’ attractiveness. Multinational companies tend to be more flexible, but locally-owned companies really need to step up their game if they want to attract and retain staff,” added El Mettouri.

36% employers don’t listen to employees’ needs

Around 36 per cent of respondents who will look for a new role during 2022 feel that their current employer does not listen to their wants and needs. While it is true that nearly three in five — 57 per cent — are looking for a higher salary and 54 per cent would like better benefits, these are not the only things that can make a difference.

Flexible working is a significant driver for many employees, and while many employers are allowing employees to choose their own environment, around 34 per cent of those thinking of moving on say that they do not have a say in their working arrangements. This is more of a priority for some employees than remuneration, with three in five (59 per cent) agreeing that they would take a pay cut in exchange for more flexibility.

While employers may not be keen on the idea of allowing workers more freedoms, there are clear benefits — across all workers, not only those seeking new employment — 86 per cent agree that organisations need to offer more flexibility to retain staff.

With so many employees looking for move on, leaders should also consider the benefits for attracting new hires, as more than three-quarters — 78 pe cent — of workers believe that businesses will have a hard time finding replacement staff without flexible working on the table.

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