Recent research highlights a significant gap between employee expectations and current workplace benefits in the UAE, with 60% of workers stating their needs remain unaddressed by employers. The Future of Work 2024 report by Zurich International Life reveals striking insights into employee preferences and retention challenges.
Key Findings Show Shifting Employee Priorities
The comprehensive study, which gathered data from 2,000 employees and 2,000 employers across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain, uncovered that 90% of employees consider benefits crucial for their job satisfaction. More notably, 68% of respondents are actively exploring new job opportunities, indicating widespread dissatisfaction with current benefit packages.
Top Benefits UAE Workers Want in 2024:
- Child education allowances
- Workplace savings plans
- Life and critical illness insurance
“Standard benefit packages are becoming obsolete,” says Zubair Siddiqi, Head of Marketing Management at Zurich Middle East. “Our research shows that 63% of employees want customised benefits that match their personal circumstances.”
Progressive Companies Leading the Way
Some organisations are already implementing innovative benefit solutions. For instance:
- Egg freezing options with complementary IVF services
- DNA testing facilities for early disease detection
- Comprehensive wellness programmes
The Impact on Talent Retention
Talent scarcity continues to challenge UAE businesses, with one-third of employers identifying it as a primary concern. Ashika Tailor, Head of Business Development for Employee Benefits at Zurich Middle East, emphasises:
“Modern employees seek personalised, thoughtful packages aligned with their individual requirements.”
Mental Health and Wellbeing Take Centre Stage
The report highlights that 70% of employees believe wellbeing programmes directly influence their job satisfaction. This encompasses both physical and mental health support, marking a shift towards more holistic employee care approaches.
Looking Forward
As the UAE employment landscape evolves, companies must adapt their benefit strategies to:
- Offer flexible working arrangements
- Provide competitive compensation packages
- Implement comprehensive wellness programmes
- Create personalised benefit options
Expert Recommendations
Devung Mahajan, Partner at Aon Human Capital Solutions, Middle East and Africa, stresses the importance of comprehensive wellness programmes and mental health support in modern workplace benefits packages.
Companies looking to retain top talent in 2024 should focus on creating flexible, personalised benefit packages that acknowledge diverse employee needs while supporting both professional growth and personal wellbeing.
This article is based on the Future of Work 2024 report by Zurich International Life, surveying 4,000 participants across the UAE, KSA, Qatar, and Bahrain.
Additional Reading Material
- UAE Employment Law: Working on a Visit Visa – Legal Implications
- UAE Employment Law: Can Employers Change Your Job Role?
- UAE Employment Law: Negotiating Bonuses in Job Contracts
- UAE Employment Law: Can Employers Withhold Salaries During Disputes?
- UAE Work Visa Guide: Standard vs Green Visa Application Process
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