Up to 81% of MENA professionals are seeking remote jobs in 2021 – survey

A survey of MENA professionals recently conducted by Bayt.com revealed a surge in preference for remote jobs in 2021.

Despite the pandemic, the survey showcases 80 per cent of respondents feeling positive about the coming year.

The lockdowns have revealed to employees and employers alike that work can be successfully accomplished from home, contradicting previous beliefs associating a lack of productivity with working from home.

Due to the newfound flexibility, despite displaying 70 per cent of survey respondents as satisfied with their professional and career growth, a large number of respondent resolved to search for new job opportunities.

They’re also focusing on flexible work arrangements, competitive salaries, a stable work life balance, and a reputable company brand as top priorities.

With industry innovation being on the forefront of the pandemic, MENA professionals are also seeking new opportunities with their current employers.

The survey highlights expectations as training and learning, rewards and benefits, providing feedback and support, and flexibility with timing when working with new and current employers.

These expectations can be managed with the help of appraisals, as they thoroughly breakdown an employees performance and helps narrow in on strengths and weaknesses.

They can also be helpful in maintaining or improving an employees moral as it displays an employer’s interest in an employee’s growth and career development.

Ola Haddad, director of human resources at Bayt.com stated:  “Our research shows that getting a new job is amongst professionals’ top New Year’s resolutions and many professionals will begin 2021 with great aspirations.

“To attract and retain talent, employers will need to meet workers’ career expectations and provide the perks, work-life balance and career advancement opportunities they demand,” she added.