The 2024 Workplace Culture Report by together, the Middle East’s first consultancy focused on workplace culture, reveals the top personal motivators for employees in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The report identifies accountability (28%), achievement (26%), and commitment (25%) as the leading factors driving employee engagement, reflecting a shared desire for excellence and responsibility in the workplace.
The report, based on surveys, focus groups, and interviews with over 7,700 employees, aligns with national objectives such as the UAE’s We the UAE 2031 vision and Saudi Vision 2030. It emphasizes the importance of fostering employee recognition, accountability, and achievement as pillars of organizational success and workplace culture.
Positive Trends and Employee Confidence
The findings indicate a positive outlook among employees, with 33% reporting experiences of achievement at work and 25% finding pride in customer satisfaction. Furthermore, 59% of employees express high or very high confidence in their organization’s market position, underscoring a sense of trust and optimism about the future.
Additionally, 84% of employees take pride in their work and companies, presenting a strong foundation for organizations to cultivate more cohesive and engaging workplace environments.
Areas for Improvement
Despite the optimism, the report highlights significant challenges. Middle managers, a crucial link in organizational culture, face notable engagement gaps, with 30% identifying control as a negative workplace experience. Many also report deficiencies in coaching, mentoring, and recognition, suggesting a critical need for better support and empowerment in this group.
Performance evaluations and leadership care are also areas requiring attention. Two-thirds of employees perceive evaluations as unfair, and 40% feel their leaders lack concern for their well-being. While 72% report a sense of belonging, only 37% would recommend their workplace as a great environment, signaling a need for improvement in employee advocacy.
Addressing Recognition and Work-Life Balance
A significant culture gap exists in employee recognition, with one in three employees desiring acknowledgment, but none citing it among their top workplace experiences. Additionally, work-life balance remains a pressing issue, with one in four employees highlighting it as a priority for future workplace culture.
Expert Insights
Lucy d’Abo, CEO of together, said, “The 2024 Workplace Culture Report provides a comprehensive look at what drives employees in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. By adopting a tailored, data-driven approach, organizations can address workplace culture gaps and enhance engagement.”
Sarah El Ashmawy, culture consultant at together, added, “Recognition and flexibility are critical drivers of employee satisfaction. Addressing these priorities will unlock higher engagement, foster innovation, and contribute to the region’s national growth agendas.”
The report serves as a guide for organizations to navigate evolving workplace dynamics, offering actionable insights to build more supportive and effective workplace cultures.
