Evolution of GCC employers as supportive influencers, championing workforce wellbeing
When it comes to creating a future-proof workplace in today’s fast-changing world, businesses must focus on three critical pillars to become effective supportive influencers - Personalization, Empowerment and Wellbeing.
By embracing these pillars, companies can lead in employee engagement, meeting diverse needs while enhancing recruitment efforts.
The research was commissioned by Zurich International Life and conducted by Radius Insights, with fieldwork taking place in the UAE, KSA, Qatar, and Bahrain. Over 2,000 interviews were conducted with employees, and 2,000 with employers across a representative spectrum of industries.
Personalization
Tailoring benefits is rapidly becoming an everyday expectation among the workforce.
Employers in the UAE (96%), KSA (95%), Bahrain (84%), and Qatar (94%) also agree on the importance of employee benefits.
9 in 10 employees say benefits are key.
Employee benefits are the cornerstone of strong, positive employee-employer relationships that drive loyalty.
63%
Two-thirds of employees strongly agree that organisations should offer customised benefits rather than those based purely on role (UAE).
38%
However, the challenge is that employees do not feel they are listened to enough: only 38% say their opinions are considered regarding benefits (UAE).
1 in 2
employees in other markets* feel heard. Although less pronounced in other markets, the challenge still exists everywhere.
* KSA, Bahrain, and Qatar
How to prepare for the future
Choice is critical
For employees to feel valued, they need to see and feel that their employers care about their needs.
Listen to your employees
Have clear and focused discussions with your teams about the benefits they would like to see.
See into their future
Have clear and focused discussions with your teams about the benefits they would like to see.
Empowerment
Employees also seek a sense of empowerment and control in their personal life.
56%
Over half of younger employees feel stuck, seeking empowerment in the UAE). 40% say their ideas not easily accepted and 29% say they are sidelined due to lack of experience.
31%
of UAE employees say they don’t currently receive workplace/retirement savings benefit but would like to have - this is one of the bigger need gaps.
58%
Savings and investment opportunities and 40% guidance on financial planning are sought by a significant proportion of the workforce.
Savings and investment opportunities are sought across all countries in the region (UAE, KSA, Bahrain and Qatar).
How to prepare for the future
Retaining your talent
Understanding the needs of your most valuable assets will strengthen your business for the future.
Being valued is a dialogue
Salary is only one element. Reward and recognition go far beyond - value is also about investing in your teams.
Be the bigger picture
Corporate social responsibility shows that your company works in ways that enhances society, benefits the environment, and works towards a better future.
Wellbeing
A critical challenge for employers is addressing employee wellbeing, which encompasses the whole person: physical, mental, emotional, social, and financial dimensions, all of which reflect the overall quality of life.
Work-life balance provides peace of mind and demonstrates that the employer cares about the person, not just their productivity.
KSA
33% experience persistent exhaustion and 28% experience continuous work overload at work.
UAE
46% Asian employees and 40% in other groups are viewing lack of work-life balance as a current challenge.
1 in 2
employees in other markets* feel heard. Although less pronounced in other markets, the challenge still exists everywhere.* KSA, Bahrain, and Qatar
How to prepare for the future
Work is only a part of employees’ lives
Support the whole employee, acknowledging that people are complex and that their overall health is shaped by multiple factors.
Be present for every moment
Have clear and focused discussions with your teams about the benefits they would like to see.
Above all, have empathy
Your employees are an integral part of your organisation - remember, they are not machines; they have struggles that may not be visible.
Our methodology
The research was commissioned by Zurich International Life and conducted by Radius Insights, with fieldwork taking place in the UAE, KSA, Qatar, and Bahrain. Over 2,000 interviews were conducted with employees, and 2,000 with employers across a representative spectrum of industries.
Acknowledgement
More about Zurich Future of Work
Zurich’s “Future of Work” study is shaping the future of the GCC talent landscape, serving as a cornerstone of workforce insights since its launch in 2021. Now in its fourth edition, the research identifies critical gaps between what employers offer and what employees truly expect, especially in a post-pandemic world where flexibility, career growth, and meaningful benefits have become essential.
This study is a blueprint for success, and Zurich is at the forefront, guiding employers in creating environments where employees feel valued and supported.
Take a look at the previous year’s report here.