A recent report by Zurich International Life finds that while over 90 per cent of employees in the Gulf region view benefits as key to job satisfaction, many feel their needs are not being met.

The report titled 'Future of Work', surveyed 2,000 employees and 2,000 employers across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain, underlining that as companies across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) strive to attract and retain top talent, employee benefits have emerged as a crucial factor. It also found that only 38 per cent of employees in the UAE believe their voices are heard regarding benefits, with 68 per cent actively seeking new job opportunities, indicating a growing disconnect between employee expectations and employer offerings. Additional key findings from the report include: 

Customised benefits becoming a top priority: Over 90 per cent of the surveyed workers in the GCC region consider benefits a key factor in job satisfaction, and over 60 per cent of them want tailored benefit packages. Over 95 per cent of the workers believe the traditional one-size-fits-all model implemented by their employers is outdated, and needs to be redesigned to meet their evolving needs. Despite 96 per cent of employers in the UAE acknowledging the importance of benefits, 60 per cent of workers feel their needs are unmet

Benefits a key reason for job change: According to the report, only 38 per cent of UAE employees feel their opinions on benefits are valued by employers, and 68 per cent of respondents are actively looking for new job opportunities, indicating a disconnect between employee needs and employer offerings. Additionally, over half of employees aged 18-24 in the UAE would leave their jobs for better opportunities, including savings and career development options. Furthermore, the report highlights that employee benefits are now seen as essential for job satisfaction, as 8 out of 10 employees in the region are considering job changes, often due to inadequate benefits.

Unmet needs: About 38 per cent of employees in Saudi Arabia, aged 25 to 55 expressed a strong need for child allowances, but few companies offer this benefit. Additionally, 31 per cent of UAE employees seek savings plans for long-term financial security. And over 80 per cent  of UAE employers view life and critical illness insurance as essential, aligning  with 85 per cent of employees who feel the same, however many of them still feel their needs are unmet, impacting morale and loyalty. 

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What future holds? More than 50 per cent of UAE employees prefer to work for companies that prioritise sustainability and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. And 6 out of 10 UAE employees are optimistic about AI creating new job opportunities, emphasising the need for companies to adapt to these trends.

Emphasising organisations to listen to their workforce more closely, Ashika Tailor, Head of Business Development for Employee Benefits at Zurich Middle East said “The diversification of work and employee expectations means that traditional employee benefits packages are no longer fit for purpose. Employees today are demanding more personalised, thoughtful packages that meet their individual needs. Companies need to proactively engage with their teams to co-create benefits that ensure long-term satisfaction and loyalty. Young talent is quick to seek out opportunities that align with their financial and career growth aspirations. To retain this workforce, employers must not only bridge the current benefits gap but also adapt to emerging trends like AI-driven learning and targeted upskilling programmes.”