In the UAE, certain companies are extending commission-based incentives beyond sales teams to recognize exceptional employee performance. This strategy aids in retaining top talent and provides employees with extra income in the face of escalating living costs. Nicki Wilson, owner and managing director of Genie Recruitment, noted an increase in commissions and bonuses for non-sales roles, which may be tied to business performance, departmental metrics, or customer satisfaction in service-oriented sectors.
Jigar Sagar, founder of Talent Higher, highlighted that employees are increasingly seeking roles with performance-linked incentives. Historically, commissions were mainly for sales roles, but now there's a trend of service and operations staff looking for positions with KPIs-linked incentives. They aim to enhance their income by contributing to the company's profitability.
The UAE has experienced a significant rise in living costs over the past three and a half years, particularly in rentals. Sagar explained that employees are eager to boost their income within their current organizations by taking on additional tasks rather than seeking second jobs elsewhere. This approach benefits both employees and employers, as it often involves combining roles to avoid paying multiple salaries.
Additionally, employees are engaging in side hustles and freelancing, leveraging their skills to offer freelance services. Graphic designers, for instance, are selling digital art online to supplement their income. As living costs rise, employees are also cutting back on expenses, opting for carpooling, downsizing accommodations, and avoiding unnecessary spending.
Nicki Wilson observed a rise in side hustles and investments among employees but cautioned that not all such ventures are profitable. She noted a distracted workforce influenced by social media and warned against frequent job-hopping, which might harm future employment prospects. Wilson suggested that employers should consider comprehensive career advancement, including salary, benefits, and company culture.
She also recommended that employers implement additional benefits like schooling to help employees cope with rising costs. Employers should engage with employees to understand their needs and introduce new policies, including incentives and wellness activities, to retain valuable staff.
