A new study has revealed a significant gap between the importance employees place on benefits and the extent to which their expectations are met. Over 90% of employees in the GCC region consider employee benefits crucial to their job satisfaction, yet only 38% feel their voices are heard.
The Future of Work 2024 report, commissioned by Zurich International Life and conducted by Radius Insights, highlights this disconnect. Furthermore, 68% of UAE employees are actively seeking new job opportunities, indicating a growing dissatisfaction with their current benefits packages. This suggests that employers need to reassess their benefits’ offerings to better align with the evolving needs and expectations of their workforce, highlighting the need for bespoke flexible packages.Â
31% of UAE employees expressed a desire for workplace savings plans, which they see as key to their long-term financial security. Moreover, 80% consider life and critical illness insurance crucial, aligning with the 85% of UAE employees who view these protections as essential benefits. Across the GCC, nearly 8 out of 10 employees are contemplating a job change, with many citing inadequate employee benefits as a – leading reason. Â
According to the survey, this trend is especially evident among women in the UAE, with 35% prioritizing workplace savings plans. Similarly, Asian employees in the region are focused on flexibility in compensation packages. In Qatar, 22% of women are seeking enhanced maternity and paternity benefits, underscoring a demand that exceeds current legal standards.
In the UAE, some of the most desired employee benefits include child education allowances, workplace savings plans, and life and critical illness insurance. However, many respondents feel that these benefits are still not fully met.
