One factor that keeps UAE employees faithful (it isn't salary)

Money is one of the most important things that keeps employees hooked on to their job, increases motivation levels and keeps the happiness quotient high at work.

But it isn't the most important factor that makes an employee stick to his/her job, a new survey found out.

More than the big salaries or fat year-end bonuses, it is career advancement that appeals more to the UAE and GCC employees, and if an employee sees advancement opportunities and job security in his current job, he is less likely to jump the ship for another job.

These (career advancement opportunities and job security) are the two most important factors to retain employees for longer, according to a new poll conducted by Monster, an online jobs portal.

When asked which benefits will help retain them for longer in an organisation, 39 per cent of respondents said career development opportunities, 24 per cent said job security, 17 per cent said base pay/salary, 12 per cent said learning and development and 8 per cent said flexible work arrangements.

The poll was conducted in September 2015 with a sample of 260 respondents from the GCC countries.

“Career advancement is becoming a core part of employee work commitment and job satisfaction. We are thrilled to see that career advancement opportunities are taking precedence over salary considerations as this indicates the sophistication of the workforce and employee commitment towards developing better skills and consequently, advancement of their career in the region,” said Sanjay Modi, Managing Director, Monster.com, India, Middle East, South East Asia and Hong Kong.

In a previous poll conducted by Monster during August 2015, 26 per cent of respondents from the GCC said that they never feel appreciated at work, while 38 per cent said they occasionally feel appreciated, factors that can compel employees to lookout.

“Companies need to invest more in their staff if they want to keep them for longer. Many a time there are compelling business reasons playing the spoilsport yet promotion plays a huge role in showing appreciation and employee value,” added Modi.

However, another report by recruitment firm Robert Half states that money matters is still the number one factor that will make an employee stay put or quit in the region.

This company reveals that the biggest proportion of its respondents (29 per cent), who participated in its study, will leave their current job for higher remuneration, which includes salary, bonus and benefits with career advancement coming on second on the list.

However, the difference between the two factors is marginal in Robert Half study, as 27 per cent say career advancement is the factor that will make them change jobs.

Read: 5 fundamental factors that'll make you switch jobs in 2016

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