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- Jo Faragher
The employment market in the Middle East is coming under increased strain, according to research by specialist recruiter ReThink MEA.
Career progression was a recurring issue for professionals working in the region, as was a feeling they needed to deliver more for less. Job security is a major concern, with one respondent claiming that “permanent, full time employment is a dream for many professionals”.
The economy in the Middle East, as with elsewhere, has experienced a downturn in recent years, but professionals working there face additional challenges of cultural differences and conflicting company politics, according to ReThink. One professional said that “getting all my stakeholders to share the same understanding is a real struggle”.
More than half of the respondents to ReThink’s survey were between 26 and 35 years old, while only 13% were aged over 46. Respondents suggested that age played a significant role in recruitment in the Middle East, with few looking for work beyond the age of 40.
Gavin Smith, Director at ReThink MEA, said: “It’s evident that the Middle East region is going through a big change in the employment arena as organisations look to move beyond the economic slump. However, the responses from these interviews reveal a number of factors which need to be addressed in order for organisations to attract and retain the best talent.”
He added: “If companies in the area continue down this path of increasing pressure, limited reward and a lack of opportunities, they will find themselves losing high performers to competitors and struggling to bring new talent on board.”
The survey also revealed which current sectors and areas are faring well. The majority of respondents worked in the IT and telecommunications sector, while much employment centred on Qatar and UAE.
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