Job Security, Employer Reputation, and Company Values Guide Emiratis' Job Selection, New BCG Study Finds

According to a new survey led by The Boston Consulting Group, UAE nationals believe that job security and the company’s reputation/image are the two most important factors to consider when choosing a job; in parallel, UAE expats name appreciation for their work as their top priority

Dubai, November 4, 2015—A new study by The Boston Consulting Group (BCG), a global management consulting firm and the world’s leading advisor on business strategy, and The Network, a global alliance of more than 50 leading recruitment websites, sheds unprecedented light on what makes UAE workers happy on the job. A total of 502 male and female respondents (composed of 175 nationals and 327 expatriates) aged 21-45 – with full-time jobs and living in the UAE – participated in the survey. 

One of the most striking findings of the study is that, today, UAE nationals and expatriates have radically different perspectives when it comes to what matters most to them at work.

In fact, according to the eye-opening results, UAE nationals have a more career-oriented outlook, while expats tend to put more emphasis on intrinsic rewards. For UAE nationals, the most important single job element is job security, followed by employer reputation, company values, financial stability, good relationships with colleagues, corporate social responsibility (CSR), a good work/life balance, leadership responsibilities, a high performance culture, and learning/development opportunities.

In contrast, UAE expats’ happiness on the job depends first and foremost on the level of appreciation they receive for their work. Then comes a good work/life balance, good relationships with superiors and colleagues, leadership responsibilities, learning/development opportunities, company values, job security, financial stability, and lastly, job content.

The analysis also reveals that various factors influence the importance of the different attributes. One obvious factor is a worker’s age. Although job security is at the top of the list of desired workplace attributes among UAE nationals between the ages of 21-40, it is the third highest priority for respondents aged 41-50 (and presumably occupying mid- to high-level positions). 

“People holding top management positions typically feel quite accomplished; more importantly, they are sought-after in the marketplace and have high-profile connections and a large network – which means they are not too worried about losing their job or being unemployed,” explained Bas Van Ulden, Project Leader at BCG Middle East. “That is precisely why HR departments in the UAE will have to, over the next ten years, work hard to find different ways to incentivize and retain their top talent.”

The survey results show that numerous factors rise and fall in importance as UAE workers go through their careers and gain experience. For instance, the overall compensation package – comprising insurance/retirement packages and an attractive fixed salary – becomes more of a priority once workers grow out of their thirties. Moreover, the work environment fades in importance as workers enter their forties; their appreciation for work as well as their employer’s reputation, however, become critical must-haves.

Among young UAE nationals aged 21-30, job security, employer reputation, company values, and corporate social responsibility top their list of desired workplace attributes. This further cements the notion that, for the younger generation in the UAE, good corporate citizenship is a business essential. 

“UAE recruiters looking to tap into the national talent pool and hire more young Emirati professionals must take this into consideration,” added Van Ulden. “For UAE nationals, a competitive compensation package is not a top concern. What lures them in is job satisfaction – and the ability to do work that not only makes them proud but also reflects their true values and deeply-ingrained principles. While that may be surprising to some, knowing this is key to attracting and retaining young Emirati recruits.”