Over 80 per cent of workers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia feel overwhelmed by the rapid transformation of today's workplaces, according to new research by LinkedIn.

The study revealed a staggering 123 per cent rise in posts mentioning ‘flexible work,’ indicating its importance as companies push for return-to-office (RTO) mandates. Interestingly, LinkedIn Learning courses for AI skills also saw a  jump of 117 per cent in usage over the last year, specifically among non-technical professionals. Notably, 53 per cent of workers now recognise that experience alone won’t be enough to navigate future workplaces. Additional insights from over 2,000 professionals in the Middle East reveal:

1. 89 per cent of workers in the UAE and 88 per cent in KSA are seeking more support at work compared to 2022.
2. Over 55 per cent of UAE workers and 58 per cent in KSA are concerned about the rapid changes driven by AI and emerging technologies.
3. The top challenges workers face are strikingly similar in both regions. In the UAE, 35 per cent of workers are focused on integrating AI into daily tasks, 34 per cent are managing multi-generational teams, and 33 per cent are adjusting to the back-to-office shift. In Saudi Arabia, 37 per cent are managing multi-generational teams, 36 per cent are dealing with AI integration, and 30 per cent are navigating RTO transitions.
4. Continuous learning is becoming essential, with 39 per cent of UAE workers and 40 per cent in KSA stressing the need for ongoing education to stay competitive. Yet, only 34 per cent of UAE workers and 35 per cent of Saudi workers feel they can rely on their managers for support during these changes.
5. Additionally, 64 per cent workers in the UAE and 58 per cent in Saudi Arabia, believe their companies are struggling to keep up with the evolving work landscape.

In response, professionals are increasingly turning to LinkedIn for knowledge and skills to stay ahead. AI-powered coaching, expert insights, and real-time updates, can help them navigate these workplace challenges and move forward. LinkedIn Career Expert shared tips to navigate through this change:

• As the workplace evolves quickly, staying updated on topics like AI and hybrid work through expert insights can help you understand how these shifts affect your daily tasks and what to expect in the future. Keeping up with the latest trends can reduce feelings of overwhelm and give you a sense of control.
• While change can be challenging, staying open to learning makes it easier to manage. Learning and practising AI skills, such as prompt writing or using AI for meeting notes, can prepare you for the future.
• Moreover, embracing a continuous learning approach by enrolling in short-term trending courses can help you acquire new skills.

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Najat Abdalhadi, MENA LinkedIn Career Expert, says “The pace of change at work in the last few years could be seen as relentless– from flexible arrangements to AI integration.  It’s therefore hardly surprising that the majority of professionals feel overwhelmed and worried about being left behind. It will be important for workers to stay informed, upskill and continuously learn, as taking these small but important steps will help them build the confidence needed to thrive in this evolving environment. Look for opportunities to take charge of your career development continuously, and not only when you want to look for a new opportunity, in order to stay agile”.