A report released on Tuesday revealed that 84% of employees in the UAE and Saudi Arabia take pride in their companies. The 2024 Workplace Culture Report by together, the Middle East's first consultancy focused on workplace culture, identified accountability (28%), achievement (26%), and commitment (25%) as the top personal motivators among employees in both markets. These findings reflect a strong desire to excel and fulfill responsibilities.
Based on responses from over 7,700 employees through surveys, focus groups, and interviews, the report emphasizes the crucial role of employee recognition, accountability, and achievement in shaping workplace culture and organizational success. These elements align with national goals such as the 'We the UAE 2031' vision and Saudi Vision 2030.
In daily work practices, 33% of employees reported experiencing achievement, while 25% felt customer satisfaction, fostering a strong sense of pride in their work and companies. Moreover, 59% of employees expressed high or very high confidence in their employer's market position, indicating optimism and trust in their organization's future.
Despite the strong sense of pride and belonging, the report also identified areas for improvement. Middle managers, in particular, require greater attention. While they play a critical role in shaping organizational culture, middle managers face significant engagement deficits, with 30% reporting control as a top negative workplace experience. Additionally, challenges such as gaps in coaching, mentoring, and employee fulfillment were highlighted.
Lucy d’Abo, CEO of together, stated: “We are thrilled to present the first comprehensive regional analysis of workplace culture: The together 2024 Workplace Culture Report. It offers an in-depth look at what motivates employees in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. As regional leaders seek ways to address workplace culture gaps and enhance performance, this report highlights common themes. However, each company has unique challenges and opportunities, and we encourage organizations to adopt tailored metrics and a data-driven approach to improve culture and engagement.”
Despite the positives, challenges persist. For instance, 67% of employees believe performance evaluations are unfair, and 40% feel their leadership does not care about them. While 72% report a sense of belonging, only 37% would recommend their employer as a great place to work. Additionally, one in three employees desire recognition, yet none reported experiencing it among the top 20 workplace experiences, highlighting a significant culture gap.
Sarah El Ashmawy, culture consultant at together, added: “This report examines the evolving priorities of today's workforce, emphasizing that recognition and flexibility are key drivers of employee satisfaction. By addressing these priorities, businesses in the UAE and Saudi Arabia can enhance employee engagement, foster innovation, and contribute to national growth agendas.”
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