About 61% of workers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are not engaged at work, according to a recent Gallup report that covered 17 nations across the region.

The study, titled "State of the Global Workplace: 2024 Report," also highlights increasing daily stress among MENA workers, along with rising levels of anger, sadness, and loneliness compared to the global workforce. Additionally, while global workers feel it is a good time to find a job, MENA workers do not share this sentiment.

Key findings for MENA workplaces from Gallup State of the Global Workplace: 2024 Report

#1 Engagement at work: According to the report, only 14 per cent of workers in the MENA region are engaged at work, while 61 per cent are not engaged, and 25 per cent are actively disengaged. These sentiments are shared by both male and female employees in the region. The active disengagement levels are particularly concerning, as they are 66 per cent higher than the global average.

Workplace engagement is 29 per cent in the UAE, 28 per cent in Saudi Arabia, and 23 per cent in Iraq, ranking higher than most other MENA countries. Workplaces in Egypt have the lowest engagement levels at 6 per cent.

#2 Life @ work: About 61 per cent of regional workers are struggling at work, and 13 per cent are reportedly ‘suffering’ in life. While 25 per cent say they are thriving in life, this is still alarming as it is 25 per cent lower than the global average of 34 per cent.

Israel, with 69 per cent, UAE with 50 per cent, and Saudi Arabia with 48 per cent, have the highest percentage of thriving workers in the MENA region. Conversely, Egypt, with 8 per cent, and Yemen, with 4 per cent, have the lowest percentage of thriving workers.

#3 Daily mood meter: Whether work-related or personal life-related, triggers affecting most MENA workers' daily emotions include stress at 52 per cent, anger at 32 per cent, sadness at 26 per cent, and loneliness at 23 per cent. These numbers are higher than the global average, especially concerning stress levels.

The UAE, with 32 per cent, Saudi Arabia with 28 per cent, and Kuwait with 32 per cent, are the least stressed countries in the MENA region. Conversely, Lebanon and Turkey report the highest levels of stressed workers, with 68 per cent experiencing stress.

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#4 Career dilemma: About 48 per cent of regional workers intend to leave their current organization and are actively seeking new opportunities. However, only 33 per cent believe it is a good time for a job search. These numbers are lower than the global average, which is concerning due to the skills shortage and limited career prospects.

In Kuwait, 84 per cent of workers, in the UAE, 69 per cent, and in Saudi Arabia, 66 per cent feel it is the best time to find a job in the MENA region. However, workers in Egypt, Iran, Tunisia, and Lebanon do not share this sentiment.