Employees in UAE are leaving their jobs in higher numbers due to escalating expenses rather than opportunities for career advancement.
In the UAE, a staggering majority of employees are feeling the pinch of rising living costs, with seven out of ten contemplating job changes within the next three months, as per a recent study by Korn Ferry. This study found that 66% of employees are facing the daunting challenge of outpacing their salaries with the escalating expenses, particularly in areas such as housing and children's education.
Vijay Gandhi, regional director of Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) for Korn Ferry Digital, noted that employees are increasingly seeking better compensation packages in response to the strain. The global consultancy firm's Workforce 2025 report revealed that a whopping 8 out of 10 UAE employees are willing to switch jobs for better pay and benefits, followed closely by concerns regarding job security and career advancement. Job benefits and learning opportunities are two other factors that could lead employees to leave their current positions.
In the 2024 UAE Salary survey, Korn Ferry found that the average salary increase was just 4%. The firm suggested that pay alone may no longer suffice, with employees increasingly seeking better benefits, job security, and room for growth. The GCC Salary Guide 2025 released earlier this year by Hays predicted that nearly half of UAE employees received a salary hike in 2024, with 75% anticipating a salary increase in 2025.
As the expatriate population in the UAE is projected to account for 88.5% of the population by 2025, the country remains a competitive global talent market. With a projected 5% annual GDP growth, rising living costs, particularly in housing and education, are pushing professionals to prioritize stability when considering their next moves.
The survey polled more than 15,000 professionals worldwide to understand their sentiments towards employment. The study, conducted across ten major markets, showed that in addition to the UAE, workers in the US, UK, France, Germany, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Japan, and India are all facing similar concerns regarding compensation, job security, and career advancement.
[1] Korn Ferry Workforce 2025 report[2] GCC Salary Guide 2025 by Hays
- The Korn Ferry Workforce 2025 report indicates that 8 out of 10 UAE employees are prepared to switch jobs due to better pay and benefits.
- The escalating expenses, particularly in areas like housing and education, are causing over six out of ten employees to consider job changes within the next three months, according to a recent Korn Ferry study.
- Personal-finance concerns and career advancement are other reasons why employees might be tempted to leave their current positions, as suggested by the Korn Ferry study.
- Although the GCC Salary Guide 2025 predicted that nearly half of UAE employees received a salary hike in 2024, employees are increasingly seeking better benefits and job security, with room for growth.
- As per a survey that polled over 15,000 professionals worldwide, workers in the US, UK, France, Germany, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Japan, India, and India, in addition to UAE workers, are dealing with similar concerns regarding compensation, job security, and career advancement.
