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JLL launches new talent unit as Gulf employees rethink priorities after pandemic

New workforce advisory service launched in region as health and wellbeing becomes key factor in attracting best staff

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The growing war for talent in the Gulf region has prompted JLL to create a new workforce advisory service in the Middle East and North Africa.

JLL has announced the appointment of Dima Najib-Costa who will head up the new unit in response to growing demand in the region. The service is being introduced to the MENA region after success in Europe.

In her new role, she will be instrumental in advising clients on health and wellbeing, talent analysis, strategic workforce planning and new workforce operating models to help them navigate their changing business needs and workforce demands.

She will also work with clients to refresh and embed inclusive cultures, ensuring everyone feels included in the new hybrid world of work.

Workforce expectations have shifted significantly in the last year amid a surge in remote, flexible working.

JLL research shows that flexibility in working patterns has become a ‘must have’ in the employee offering. Healthy workplaces are also a priority with 73 percent of the workforce aspiring to work for new employers that promote and really support a healthy lifestyle, safety, and well-being.

In addition, employers are now expected to build new ‘authentic’ and ‘inclusive’ workplaces anchored in strong human values – these elements were cited as a top priority for 50 percent and 49 percent of the workforce, respectively.

The move comes as UAE businesses are set to hike salaries and accelerate hiring as the economic rebound spurs demand for talent.

Mercer’s 2021 Total Remuneration Survey (TRS), released last month, demonstrated the need for companies to address their compensation and benefits strategies to attract and retain talent amid an increasingly competitive talent landscape, spurred by a post-Covid-19 pandemic economic rebound.

The 2021 survey showed that hiring is rising due to the promising economic recovery experienced in the UAE with companies reporting an intention to hire for more new roles than in 2020.

Thierry Delvaux, CEO, JLL MEA and Turkey, said: “Companies have already adjusted to greater workplace flexibility as a result of the pandemic, but they will also have to lean in to proactively address changing workforce preferences to retain and attract top talent.

“A huge aspect of this is diversity and inclusion – it has the potential to drive greater innovation, productivity, and ultimately business growth. A workplace psychologist, Dima’s background in design and environmental psychology provides an ability to quantify what ‘feels good’ coupled with a deep interest in neurodiversity and the interplay between individuals’ and their physical, societal and technological environments.

“Her expertise will be invaluable as we advise clients on how to embrace and accommodate the new expectations of the workforce. We are excited to welcome her to the team.”

Najib-Costa said: “The global pandemic has driven employees to rethink their life priorities. People want to be happy in their job, able to achieve results wherever they work and come together to be creative, collaborate and socialise.

“Tomorrow’s employers now have a unique challenge as they build the workplace, culture, and organisation of the future. Inclusive work processes and working environments is now a critical part of helping employees feel comfortable and do their job to the best of their abilities.”

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