A recent survey has emphasized the link between employee loyalty and compensation, revealing that 54 percent of participants consider basic salary as a crucial factor. Following this, 36 percent highlighted the importance of job fit, and 32 percent mentioned additional company benefits. These findings are part of the latest 'employee loyalty in the Mena' survey conducted by job site Bayt and YouGov, which included respondents from various Mena countries, including the UAE.
The survey also identified strategies to enhance employee loyalty, with 60 percent suggesting increased recognition and rewards, and 52 percent advocating for the creation of growth opportunities. Additionally, 50 percent called for regular discussion forums to address employee concerns. Zafar Shah, account director at YouGov, noted that employees who feel valued through fair compensation, job fit, and career opportunities are more likely to be engaged in their workplace, which fosters a sense of belonging and purpose.
The survey data shows that 55 percent of participants have been with their current companies for over four years, and 38 percent intend to stay long-term despite potentially more lucrative offers elsewhere. Bayt highlighted that nearly three out of five employees are satisfied with their current employers, with 33 percent categorizing themselves as 'very loyal' and an additional 23 percent as 'somewhat loyal'.
A significant 81 percent of employees are 'highly engaged' with their work, but nearly half (48 percent) cited a lack of trust in their organization's management as a reason for not feeling entirely loyal. Ola Haddad, general manager at Bayt, emphasized the importance of understanding and nurturing employee loyalty, noting a strong correlation between trust in leadership and employee allegiance.
Loyal employees contribute to various benefits, including improved work quality (74 percent), a willingness to go the extra mile (67 percent), and positive word-of-mouth about the company (65 percent). Notably, 54 percent of employees would recommend their company as a respectable place to work, and 68 percent take pride in discussing their company’s products and services, which positively impacts the organization's reputation.
