Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Ramadan 17, 1445 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

83 pc of MENA job-seekers prefer firms with advanced technology

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Nowadays, what makes a company or an organisation an ideal place to work for in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) depends on many different elements that may extend beyond salary and benefits. Bayt.com, the region’s leading job site, explored this topic and just released its latest report entitled “The Ideal Workplace in the Middle East and North Africa” in partnership with global online market research company, YouGov.


According to this report, 83 per cent of respondents believe that advanced technology in the workplace is of great importance. While only 39 per cent of workplaces reportedly use advanced technology, this factor is also of great importance for respondents looking for a potential workplace. In fact, 83 per cent of job seekers say their potential company should promote advanced technology.


In addition to seeking advanced technology, a challenging work environment is highly desired among respondents in the MENA. In fact, 79 per cent of employees say it is important that their job challenges them.


Furthermore, 82 per cent of respondents believe that transparent communication is an important factor in any work environment. The same sentiment is shared among job- seekers. That said, only 35 per cent of companies reportedly promote transparent communication in the region.


Other elements that were considered important in a workplace include work life balance (81 per cent of employees say it is important), fair evaluation (81 per cent of employees say it is important), and innovation and creativity (81 per cent of employees say it is important).


Besides attractiveness, retention is an element that many organisations strive to master. When asked about factors that mostly drive loyalty, the top responses were ‘training and development opportunities’ (according to 36 per cent of MENA respondents), and ‘opportunity for long term career advancement’ (according to 32 per cent of MENA respondents).


“It is essential to acknowledge what is most important to those employed in the MENA, as well as what they look for in potential workplaces. By understanding this, organisations can work towards boosting their attractiveness, retention, and even reputation and performance, all while meeting the needs of their employees,” said Suhail Masri, VP of Employer Solutions, Bayt.com.


In addition to workplace attraction and retention elements, respondents were asked about company culture and its impact when choosing a workplace. 48 per cent of MENA respondents said company culture is one of the determining factors when joining a company.


When asked about business values that make a company more attractive in MENA, 53 per cent cited ‘good ethics and practices’, 37 per cent said ‘friendly company culture’, 24 per cent said ‘corporate social responsibility’, and 12 per cent said ‘green consciousness / efforts’, indicating that the MENA professionals look at a variety of elements relating to companies’ missions and impact on societies.


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