8 Trends that will Shape the Future of Work in the UAE in 2024

2023 was a year of transition. It was a year of experimentation where all the working models- Hybrid, flexible, remote and the traditional work from office arrangements were used interchangeably by organizations in an effort to figure out the one that worked best for them. Employee well-being, mental and physical health initiatives and a higher focus on work-life balance were rated as some of the most important indicators in the year 2023.

As we enter the year 2024, the workplace continues to evolve, driven by technological advancements, societal changes, and lessons from the preceding year.

One of the countries that has wowed everyone by its fast change in pace of developments is the UAE. As the UAE strides into the new year 2024, the business landscape is all set to show great transformation. As one of the most prominent countries in the world, this bustling metropolis will be witnessing various trends that will play a significant role in shaping its business landscape.

A global survey of 70,000 working adults indicated that 75% of UAE participants are actively looking for new opportunities while already employed. What does this say? Employers need to up their strategic initiatives and work on employee retention. An improved candidate experience, flexible work hours, and professional development are some of the important things’ employees are expecting from the future of work, amongst many others.

It is time for companies to implement new strategies to strike a balance between employee productivity and work culture.

Emerging trends transforming the world of work in UAE

1. Processes Automation

With the pandemic, most operations were digitalized, revolutionizing the meaning of work for many organizations. This bought in a sense of comfort to employees as the digitalization facilitated swift and efficient completion of tasks due to the incorporation of automation software.

HR (Human Resource) professionals have been working towards developing self-service procedures trying to streamline work for both the employers and employees.

With the help of automation-

• The HR can create a seamless experience for the employers and employees.
• The HR team can find the much-needed time to focus on complex tasks that directly contribute to the growth of the organisation.
• Heavy duty tasks such as payroll, expense reporting and other administrative duties can be left to the software.

2. Adopting Digital and e-commerce solutions

Most businesses in 2024 have turned towards transitioning to digital platforms driving consumer demand and tech advancements.

• E-commerce surge- From digital payment solutions to AI (Artificial Intelligence)-driven customer experiences, the UAE population is growing to be a tech savvy one.
• Flourishing fields- IT services, digital marketing agencies and cyber security services
• Businesses that would benefit– Retail industry, software web development services, digital payment solutions.

3. Artificial Intelligence

The utilization of AI tools will make the work of HR much easy and efficient. From employee retention, engagement to identifying talent gaps, analytics plays a significant role in elevating the productivity of an organization.

UAE happens to be the first country globally to elect an Artificial Intelligence minister to accelerate tech development. Some of the radical changes to look forward to are-

• Robotic automation in fields like logistics and customer services, enhancing productivity and customer satisfaction.
• AI can monitor network traffic, user behaviour and system logs that can help detect anomalies and threats that may otherwise go unnoticed by traditional methods.
• HRM solutions utilizing data insights to boost growth and productivity.
• AI talent scouts enabling a synchronisation between the employees and companies.
• Growth of AI development companies, automation service providers and data analytics firms.
• Investment in the growth of the virtual work landscape as the concept of AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality) has caught the attention of many corporate companies in the UAE.

4. Prioritization of employee wellness

In the past, UAE was known for its relentless work culture. A survey revealed that 92% of UAE employees experienced at least one symptom of burnout which is a massive concern in terms of employee well-being.

However, post the pandemic, the UAE is now redesigning what culture means to them. And in their efforts of realizing the same, some of the strategies to implement to prioritize and boost employee wellness that can be included are-

• Incorporation of heightened engagement surveys
• Implementation of well-being strategies
• Wellness check-ins
• Prioritization of other culture-related aspects of work

5. Adoption of flexible work, remote work

While the hybrid work model has been adopted widely all over the world, in the UAE this is particularly pronounced to accommodate their diverse workforce needs and preferences. 98% of UAE-centred firms are thoroughly exploring hybrid work dynamics after the pandemic as the key to employee satisfaction.

A recent workspace report- a leading UAE trade show for workplace technology went as far to state that the UAE may very soon be “a global centre for hybrid working.” Even the statistics revealed that in the Gen Z generation, 70% preferred hybrid work arrangements which is why organizations have moved towards creating plans to keep up and optimize engagement with remote teams. The hybrid model-

• helps enhance work life balance promoting productivity.
• helps organizations tap into a diverse pool of talent.
• Increases performance and efficiency with the adaptation of digital workstations as part of HR solutions.
• aligns with economic diversification plans like UAE Centennial 2071 emphasizing technological adoption, and the enhancement of non-oil economy.
• Helps reduce the carbon footprint and promote an environmentally cautious approach towards working.

6. Promotion of upskilling and reskilling

The importance of upskilling and reskilling dawned upon employers after the Great Resignation phase that had an impact on companies globally. Funding skill development is an important part of every organization as it aligns with the new world of work, the digitized world.

Soft Skills, self-taught skills, life skills, have become integral components in the hiring guides of HR as part of the screening process. To promote upskilling and reskilling organizations can-

• Create HR platforms that have a learning and development sector, encouraging skill building, mentorship etc.
• Gamification, incentivizing professional development.

7. Encourage millennials and Gen Z to take the lead

According to data, by 2025, 75% of the total workforce in the UAE will consist of the younger generations. Prabhu Ramachandran, the founder of Facilio Inc., shared with Gulf News that “young workers are changing workplace dynamics to reflect their priorities.” The ability of millennials and Gen Z to navigate the workplace digitally has earned them their importance in the industry. Organizations are swapping manual procedures with software, apps, and smartphones for higher engagement. This has enabled the gen Z and millennials generation, the tech savvy generation, to enhance productivity and achieve bigger goals.

8. Greater focus on diversity

UAE has always been more accepting and welcoming of foreign workers for all the right reasons. This attitude has helped them attract some of the best of the talent pool across the globe. And this trend seems to be continuing with full force, moving forward in 2024. Metropolitan cities like Dubai are being replicated and the job market now calls for more inclusivity in the hiring process. As citizens from diverse backgrounds flock to the UAE for its rapidly developing work landscape, HR trends will use this to their advantage.

Closing words

The future of work is changing, and it is important to stay attuned to emerging trends as it plays an integral part in the growth of any organization. Adapting and embracing these trends can help position your organization as more productive one and one that is perfectly aligned with their goals. Recognizing employees as invaluable assets and placing a strong emphasis on their overall growth and development is particularly relevant for numerous prominent businesses in the UAE.

By actively engaging with and incorporating these trends, organizations can foster a dynamic and responsive work environment leading to enhanced productivity and achieving organizational objectives. These trends can transform your organization positioning you as a forward-thinking mindset firm, for sustained success in the competitive business landscape of the UAE.