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19 March 2024

How many people believe they have perfect job?

Published
By Staff

Two in three of the UAE’s working population feel motivated at work, according to the recent Bayt.com Career Aspirations in the Middle East and North Africa survey, conducted by Bayt.com.

While more than half of the UAE’s respondents aspire to be promoted to a higher position, about a third of them are concerned about losing their job and unemployment.

As far as the ideal job for UAE workforce is concerned, oil and gas emerges as the preferred industry for 14% of the UAE current and potential workforce. Construction comes in second at 8%, followed by banking and finance; advertising, marketing and public relations; tourism, and hospitality.

When defining an ideal job, the survey’s respondents consider salary and benefits (85%), opportunities for career growth (66%), and job security (36%) to be the most important factors.

Four in 10 (44%) believe they currently have the perfect job, though the majority of them (59%) would like to work in a higher position, or would like to be an expert in their field (43%).

Despite the perceived level of contentment, about three in five working respondents claim that there are not many opportunities for career advancement within their current company. Hence, two in five are prepared to move to another area of expertise or department to advance their career, or to move to another industry altogether.

When asked the reasons for accepting their current job offer, 29% claim that it was the first, or the only one that they received. Almost a quarter (23%) accepted because of the salary and benefits that it offered, and 15% claim it offered them a chance to work in their dream industry. Interestingly, only one in six were motivated to take the job because of its corporate reputation.

Employee motivation is high in the UAE, with 65% of respondents claiming to be ‘quite motivated’ or ‘highly motivated’ at work. Those working are of the opinion that motivation can be further improved by offering higher salaries, more benefits and perks (57%), followed by opportunity to express creativity and showcase skills (43%), and a better work/life balance (41%). Roughly one in three would also be driven by promotions and the opportunity to learn new skills.

Reasons given for seeking employment include “to continuously learn and gain experience” (72%), and “the chance to be gainfully employed” (59%). “Gaining financial independence through employment” is also important to 44%.

Three quarters of those working or seeking employment have set professional goals for themselves, with 30% having goals for the next 5 years. In comparison, only 15% indicate they have not set any goals for themselves.

When asked to identify barriers to career growth, the survey’s respondents specified a lack of growth opportunities (40%) and poor management within their current company (38%) as the top barriers.

Overall, respondents are happy with their work environment, with 39% being either ‘somewhat’ or ‘very happy’. However, some believe that “the government can help improve the working environment through increased transparency in terms of salaries within companies” (62%), by “increasing job opportunities” (59%), and by “further improving labour laws” (44%).

Higher education is in the plans for 67%, out of whom 33% intend to attend a university in their country of residence. Four in 10 (42%) would like to retire after they turn 60, though 43% are looking to retire between 50-60 years.

For UAE respondents, the top priorities in life comprise a successful career (64%) and financial stability and independence (also at 64%). Good health (54%) also emerges as a top priority.

In general, respondents are worried about financial issues as well as losing their job and unemployment, career path uncertainty (37%), and not being able to maintain a work/life balance (35%). For the majority, unemployment could have significant consequences – 29% of respondents indicate they no savings from their income over the past year.

(Home page image courtesy Shutterstock)