A recent survey by global HR solutions firm Adecco reveals that more than two-thirds (67%) of UAE employees are actively seeking new job opportunities, reflecting a significant shift in the job market.
Drivers of Job Mobility
The survey highlights key factors prompting employees to consider job changes, including limited career progression, uncompetitive salaries, rising cost of living, poor work-life balance, inadequate benefits, and lack of flexibility.
“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,” said Mayank Patel, SVP and head of Adecco EEMENA and country head Middle East. “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 added.
Survey Insights
The UAE’s work trend report, based on data from 507 professionals across various industries, shows that mid-senior level candidates in the technology and software services sector are the most likely to seek new opportunities. Other industries with high job mobility include banking, construction, engineering, logistics, retail, and luxury sectors.
Conversely, 15-20% of professionals are focused on advancing in their current roles, showing no interest in switching jobs.
Hiring Trends
“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 information technology, software services, retail, luxury, and transport and logistics sectors.
Patel concluded, “The recruitment landscape in 2024 indicates a surge in hiring activities, particularly within sectors such as IT (AI, cloud computing, machine learning, cybersecurity), banking, retail, investments, logistics, e-commerce, hospitality, oil and gas, and sustainable green jobs.”
