More than half of employees in the United Arab Emirates would consider leaving their employer if required to spend more time in the office, highlighting the growing importance of workplace flexibility in the country’s competitive job market, according to the Michael Page UAE Salary Guide 2027.
The survey found that 51% of employees would weigh up their options if office attendance requirements increased. It also reported that 78% of professionals were open to changing jobs, pointing to continued pressure on employers to retain experienced staff.
The findings suggest that salary alone is no longer enough to secure employee loyalty, as professionals increasingly weigh career development, flexible working arrangements and long-term prospects when deciding whether to remain with an organisation.
The guide describes a workforce that is confident about its employment options and increasingly willing to seek opportunities elsewhere. It also highlights a gap between employees’ salary expectations and the budgets many organisations have allocated for pay reviews.
Artificial intelligence is another concern for some professionals. The research found that 23% viewed AI as a threat to their long-term career prospects, although the report also pointed to growing attention on how the technology could support productivity, innovation and professional development.
Employers face growing retention pressures
Jon Ede, managing director of Michael Page Middle East, said businesses were taking a more strategic approach to attracting and retaining employees amid economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions.
“2026 has not been without its challenges. Heightened geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty have tested businesses across many markets. Yet the UAE continues to distinguish itself as one of the most resilient and attractive talent markets globally,” he said.
Ede added that hiring activity remained encouraging, with sustained demand for specialist skills across the market.
“We are seeing encouraging levels of hiring activity and a sustained demand for specialist skills. Our 2027 UAE Salary Guide shows that employers are becoming more strategic in how they attract and retain talent, while professionals are placing greater importance on growth, flexibility and long-term career value,” he said.
The report also warned that replacing employees can cost organisations significantly more than retaining them. Employers that fail to respond to changing expectations risk losing skilled workers to competitors offering better career prospects and working conditions.
Reviewing compensation, investing in professional development and providing meaningful flexibility are among the measures businesses may need to prioritise as they compete for talent in 2027, according to the guide.
The findings come as employers across the UAE seek specialist workers while professionals reassess what they expect from their jobs. For companies, the challenge will be to balance operational requirements, including office attendance, with employees’ demand for flexibility and opportunities to progress.
With 78% of surveyed professionals open to changing roles, organisations may need to strengthen their retention strategies to maintain workforce stability in an increasingly mobile labour market.
