Bayt.com And YouGov Survey Reveals Key Factor For Employee Loyalty in MENA (Hint: It's Not Salary)

Attention Employers! The latest Employee Loyalty in the MENA survey by Bayt.com and YouGov is out and the report explores factors influencing employees' loyalty to their organisations. It identifies actions that could enhance loyalty and elements that might undermine it. Let's dive into what makes a workplace more relevant for your staff.

Illustrating workforce stability, 55% of survey participants reported being with their current companies for over four years. This stability is mirrored by workplace satisfaction, with nearly three out of five employees expressing contentment with their employers. Additionally, 33% of employees consider themselves 'very loyal,' while another 23% feel 'somewhat loyal.'

Basic salary is a critical factor for 54% of respondents, followed by employee-job fit at 36%, and additional benefits at 32%. To boost loyalty, respondents suggest employers focus on increased recognition and rewards (60%), creating growth opportunities (52%), and facilitating regular discussion forums to address grievances (50%).

Despite some concerns, the survey reveals that 81% of employees are highly engaged in their work. Notably, 38% demonstrate significant loyalty by staying with their current organisations despite potentially better offers elsewhere.

Lack of trust in management is a major reason for diminished loyalty, noted by 48% of respondents. Additionally, 39% cite lack of job security as a concern affecting their allegiance. Neglecting employee suggestions can significantly damage dedication, as indicated by 56%. Heavy workloads or unequal distribution of responsibilities (54%) and lack of open communication between employees and managers (51%) are other major sources of dissatisfaction.

Zafar Shah, Account Director at YouGov, stated: "This year's findings underscore the complex interplay between job security, satisfaction, and loyalty within the MENA region. As the data suggests, employees who feel valued through fair compensation, job fit, and career opportunities are more inclined to feel more engaged in their workplace and speak about their companies' products and services passionately. It is this sense of belonging and purpose that distinguishes highly loyal employees from the rest."

The perceived benefits of fostering high employee loyalty include enhanced work quality (74%), willingness to go the extra mile (67%), and positive word-of-mouth about the company (65%). Furthermore, 54% view their company positively enough to recommend it as a respectable place to work. Additionally, 68% express pride in discussing their company's products and services.

Ola Haddad, General Manager at Bayt.com said: "Understanding and nurturing employee loyalty is critical in navigating the dynamic landscapes of the MENA workforce. Our survey reveals a powerful correlation between trust in leadership and employee allegiance. As workplaces strive for excellence, it becomes increasingly clear that management's transparency and recognition of their workforce's contributions serve as the cornerstone of building a loyal and engaged team."

The data for the 2024 Bayt.com Employee Loyalty in the MENA Survey was collected online from June 6-14, 2024. The results are based on a sample of 862 respondents from countries including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Palestine, Syria, Yemen, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Sudan among others.

The survey highlights that while there are challenges to maintaining employee loyalty such as trust issues with management or job security concerns; there are also clear strategies that can help improve it. Employers focusing on recognition and growth opportunities can foster a more loyal workforce.