The newly launched GCC People Pulse monthly workforce sentiment tracker has revealed that employee sentiment in the Gulf region currently outperforms global benchmarks. EXE and Ipsos established the monthly tracker to monitor workplace trends across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar.
Key Findings from the GCC People Pulse
The initial survey collected data from a representative sample of 1,500 employed adults across the four Gulf nations. Notably, 81 percent of the respondents stated they would recommend their organisation as a great place to work, representing a score that is nine points higher than the global benchmark. Furthermore, 77 percent of those surveyed expressed confidence in the future direction of their employers, which is 22 points above the global average.
“Advocacy is one of the most telling signs of real engagement, and it’s directly linked to business performance and talent outcomes. When employees recommend their workplace, they become powerful brand ambassadors, which is a huge boost for recruitment and reputation.”
Ruth Dance, Co-Founder of EXE
Workplace Culture and Nationalisation Trends
The study also examined internal workplace dynamics, revealing that 78 percent of respondents feel they can be themselves within their organisations. In addition, 77 percent of employees observed a clear commitment to nationalisation policies within their respective workplaces. These metrics indicate a strong alignment between corporate culture and regional workforce development goals.
“When people feel confident and clear about where their organisation is headed, they talk about it. That confidence comes from clear communications and visible leadership.”
Lorna King, Co-Founder of EXE
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Job Security
Technology integration remains a primary focus for regional businesses, particularly regarding artificial intelligence adoption. According to the survey, 73 percent of respondents view AI as a critical business enabler that will make their organisations more competitive. However, 49 percent of the workforce expressed concern regarding the impact of these technologies on their long-term job security.
Addressing Employee Strain and Wellbeing
Despite positive sentiment regarding corporate direction, the tracker highlighted significant challenges in employee wellbeing. Specifically, 54 percent of respondents reported feeling under constant strain at work in recent months, while only 18 percent reported a complete absence of workplace strain. This indicates that sustained pressure remains a critical issue for regional employers to address.
“Strain is what happens when employees come under sustained stress or pressure. It creates anxiety, fatigue, and eventually burnout. Our research shows strain has a hugely negative impact on decision-making, on team dynamics, and on overall employee performance.”
James Tarbit, Global Head of Employee Experience at Ipsos
The GCC People Pulse tracker aims to provide a regular, region-specific lens on employee experiences to help organisations improve talent retention. By establishing a monthly cadence, the partners intend to facilitate ongoing dialogue between management and staff. This continuous feedback loop is expected to support regional businesses as they adapt to rapidly changing economic conditions.
