Five sure ways to keep UAE employees loyal

Globally, a very common thing that employees do while at work is look for another a job. Many in the workforce are not happy in their current jobs (that being human nature) and the obvious reaction is looking for another opportunity.

This does not bode well for employers as any boss would like to have stability in his team. The problem of job switching becomes more pronounced as the economy improves and more jobs are for uptake. So, it becomes important that employees are kept happy and not ignored in the company’s policy.

Not all companies can be a Bain & Co (world’s best employer) or a DHL (UAE’s best employer) when it comes to keeping employees happy, but there are some sure and tried ways to ensure your employees do not deflect at the smallest opportunity. 

Smart bosses know and remember that it is people who make up an organisation and without a few good ones, moving forward will be extremely difficult if not downright impossible.

#1 Employee is with you for money

The most obvious reason why people work is to earn money and a majority will leave if a better paying job comes their way. So, give your employee what s/he is worth and deserves.

Many employees in the UAE still complain of not getting their annual increments or bonuses. They may stick around due to lack of options but will move out when opportunity comes knocking at their door.

And remember, some of your employees may have taken a pay-cut during the lull period and never saw their salary going up even as the economy has improved.

These employees will also feel let down by their bosses. Many companies in the UAE are now working on their employee pay packages to accommodate the rising cost, especially of housing and schooling. Consultancy firms like Aon Hewitt and Towers Watson speak of this change in the attitude of the companies they survey.

If you still haven’t joined the bandwagon, think again. Why would employees stick around with you if what you pay them is not enough for them to pay their bills?

#2 Your employees need to switch off

A majority of employees in the UAE look for a work-life balance and companies that drain their people out will eventually see them leave.

A previous survey by online portal Bayt.com stated that 75 per cent of UAE respondents believe that a good work-life balance will not only ensure continuity in the job but is also a very important source of motivation, with 60 per cent claiming that their current organisation offers support for them to achieve this (this is 2 per cent higher than the regional average of 58 per cent).

Do not expect your people to be on call throughout the day – and night. Try not to bog them down once they are done for the day. This will ensure they are well rested and remain loyal to the company that respects their time.

#3 Treat your employees like mature adults

Do not replicate a school environment in an office setting. The relationship between you and your employees should be that of a manager and team members.

Treat your people like mature adults who are capable of working independently. Nobody like bosses who constantly tell employees to do things step-by-step on a daily basis.

Make sure employees are briefed properly on any assigned project and demand an update as and when needed, but refrain from an hourly report. In the long run, this will only suffocate those around you and they may look for fresh air in another company.   

#4 Respect and ownership are the keys

When you deal with your employees, do so in a respectable manner. It’s a very outdated school of thought that you could shout at a team member in the presence of everybody else.

Shouting was never a trait of a good manager. If you want to sort out things with an employee, do it in a civil way. You can be soft but firm and put your point across. Nobody will stay with a boss who disrespects employees.

Also, try to instil a feeling of ownership among employees. They are more likely to be engaged in their work if they believe they are part of the organisation.

#5 Give chances for career growth

Another sure way to keep employees loyal and happy is to give them opportunity to grow within the organisation. Many employees who eventually move out cite lack of career growth in their previous job as one of the most important reasons for quitting.

According to recruitment firm Robert Half, many people will leave companies if there is lack of career advancement and this factor shows up on virtually every list.

Employees should be given the opportunity to develop, grow and further their careers. One very good example here is Dubai Duty Free. The company has a long standing policy of “promotion from within”, giving push to its employees to grow within the organisation. The result is that most vacancies are taken up internally and there is minimal employee turnover.

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