About 57 per cent of workers surveyed in the Middle Eastern workplaces reported suffering from mental health issues due to increased work pressure, and they stated that their employer does not prioritise their mental well-being, according to a recent global survey conducted by ACCA.

The report 'Global Talent Trends 2024’ covers six crucial aspects affecting employees and the workplace today, including AI and technology, the cost of living, working patterns/arrangements, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, global mobility, and mental health and well-being. The key analysis of workers in Middle East workplaces shows that:

Big concerns but huge possibilities with AI and technology - 49 per cent of employees express concern about the impact of AI on their role, with approximately 52 per cent feeling overwhelmed by the pace of technological transformation. Meanwhile, 57 per cent of workers feel they are not upskilling according to the needs of future workplaces. In contrast, 89 per cent of workers in the financial services sector believe that AI will enable them to add more value to their work.

Rise in wage demands due to cost of living crisis - A staggering 71 per cent of employees are planning to request a salary hike in the next 12 months, with 60 per cent of them expressing dissatisfaction with their current salary package. Notably, 58 per cent believe that attrition is the only way to increase their salary, as they have no hope with their current organisation.

Need for more flexibility in working arrangements - About 76 per cent of workers prefer hybrid work arrangements, while 10 per cent prefer a fully remote work option. Notably, 77 per cent of them work in fully office-based jobs, and 20 per cent work in hybrid work mode. Interestingly, 57 per cent feel more productive when working remotely, but 47% say it becomes difficult for team collaboration in remote or hybrid mode. While 78 per cent of workers suggest that new joiners should spend more time in the office compared to existing employees, 58 per cent suggest that managers should develop new skills to manage remote employees effectively.

DEI in workplaces is 'crucial’, but practices fall short - About 82 per cent of Middle East workers say they prefer to join an organisation with robust DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) practices in place. Less than 50 per cent of employees believe their organisation is inclusive, where all employees are valued and supported equally to make a meaningful contribution. While 48 per cent of workers report that their organisation focuses only on selective aspects of diversity like gender versus neuro or age diversity, 42 per cent of them say 'low socio-economic background' is a barrier to their career progression.

Commenting on these talent trends which are almost similar world-wide, Jamie Lyon, global head of skills, sectors and technology, ACCA said, “One of the big questions from our study is whether as employers we are promoting all of the different markers of diversity in the workplace that truly drive creativity and innovation.’

Effective policies managing stress at workplaces ‘missing’ - About 57 per cent of workers say their mental health suffers due to rising work pressures, and their employers do not consider their mental well-being a priority. To manage their stress and mental health, over 70 per cent of them want more support from their employers. While 37 per cent are ready to resign from their current organisation if their mental well-being continues to suffer.

‘Talent drain’ is a significant risk, as employers struggle with retention - More than 63 per cent of Middle East workers expect their next career move to be external to their current organisation, and 55 per cent of them want to move internationally for their career growth. While 51 per cent are not satisfied with the career opportunities offered by their current organisations, 58 per cent are planning to switch careers within the next 12 months.