Just 16 per cent of employees in the UAE prefer to work fully remotely, according to a new survey, signalling a significant shift away from pandemic-era work preferences in the Gulf’s business hub.
The study by Parisima Talent, part of Dubai-based Dulsco Group, found that 44 per cent of workers favour full-time office work or primarily office-based arrangements with one remote day, while 39 per cent prefer a hybrid model splitting time between office and home.
The survey of 1,000 UAE residents aged 18-45 and above, conducted in November, also revealed that financial incentives and career development opportunities are jointly ranked as top priorities, with 48 per cent of respondents rating both as equally important.
Health and wellness programmes were considered essential by 47 per cent of respondents, while 44 per cent prioritised premium medical insurance from their employers, according to the report released on Thursday.
“Companies today must look beyond traditional perks and focus on the factors that drive employee engagement and satisfaction,” Parisima Talent CEO Tiago Costa said in a statement.
Traditional workplace benefits appear to be losing their appeal, with less than 80 per cent of respondents rating perks such as on-site food and beverage offerings and childcare support as highly important.
Parisima Talent, a strategic talent acquisition business, commissioned the research to help UAE-based clients strengthen their recruitment and retention strategies. The company provides services ranging from executive recruitment to training and strategic hiring projects.
The firm said it conducts regular training and development programmes focusing on areas including problem-solving, decision-making, teamwork, and stress management.
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