Gensler Report Ranks UAE Workforce As Global Leaders In Performance
The Gensler Research Institute has released the findings from its Global Workplace Survey 2024, providing new insights into the future of work environments. The study shifts the focus from employee presence in the office to workplace performance, emphasizing the importance of the workplace experience in driving higher performance and improving business outcomes.
The survey involved more than 16,000 office workers across 15 countries, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as representatives of the Middle East markets. It examined high-performing workplaces at individual, team, and organizational levels and explored the factors that contribute to their success, including the impact of the physical space and the surrounding neighborhood.
In line with these findings, the UAE Ministry of Economy has launched the Fifty Economic Plan, which aims to build a future-focused economy. The plan encompasses five key pillars: integrated economy, entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), tourism, foreign direct investment and exports, and attracting and retaining talent. By creating a conducive business environment and supporting local companies, the plan aims to achieve significant economic growth by 2030.
The UAE's efforts to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) in commercial real estate have been successful, with a 20% increase compared to the previous year, according to data from the World Bank's Global Economic Prospects Report 2023. These strategic investments not only strengthen the country's infrastructure but also position it as a regional leader in service-led industries, attracting top-tier talent from around the world.
Janet Pogue McLaurin, Global Director of Workplace Research at Gensler, emphasizes the need to redefine workplaces for the future of work. She encourages organizations and leaders to focus on designing high-performing spaces that enable employees to work at their best. The results of the Global Workplace Survey reflect the recent work done by Gensler in projects such as Riyad Bank and the VISA HQ in Dubai, supporting the company's commitment to global talent acquisition and competitive advantage for its clients in the region, according to Jose Faine, Workplace Design Director and Principal at Gensler Middle East.
The survey reveals that exceptional workplaces offer employees a choice in where they work within the office, promoting autonomy and engagement. In the UAE, workers are the second most engaged among the 15 countries surveyed, spending up to 62% of their time working with others, learning, or socializing. The survey also highlights the importance of in-person connections for strong teams and collaboration for innovative companies. It is worth noting that only 17% of the UAE workforce still work from home, with the majority working from coworking spaces, third spaces, or client offices.
Despite the flexibility provided by remote work, 71% of UAE employees believe they need to be in the workplace to maximize their productivity. This highlights a gap between where people work and what they say they need for optimal performance. "To focus on my work" is cited as the top reason for employees to return to the office.
The survey also reveals that high-performance workplaces go beyond the office walls and encompass a broader ecosystem of spaces and experiences. These workplaces are often located in amenity-rich neighborhoods that provide access to various amenities and services, such as libraries, cafes, outdoor areas, and coworking spaces. The quality of the building and its location play a significant role in enhancing workplace performance and experience.
The UAE ranks third globally in terms of workplace performance. There is a direct positive link between top performers and high-performing workplaces, with employees in these environments having more control over their time, being more likely to recommend their organization as a great place to work, and being more likely to stay with their company.
The Gensler Research Institute conducted the anonymous survey between October 2023 and January 2024. It included full-time office workers across various industries and geographies, excluding remote workers. The findings provide valuable insights into the future of work and the importance of creating high-performing workplaces that drive employee engagement and business success.
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