The UAE’s workplaces of the future must tread a careful balance between adopting transformational new technologies and retaining a people centric environment, according to a recent YouGov survey.  

With organisations large and small becoming more diverse and demanding increasingly complex skill sets from employees, 54 per cent of the 214 Human Resources (HR) professionals consider flexible working hours as the most important element in the country’s workplaces of the future, according to the survey.

Flexible working hours closely followed by 52 per cent of the 804 employees surveyed pinpointing increased efficiency as the key driver of the future workplace, with 51 per cent highlighting heightened learning opportunities as the most important factor.

With employers facing tremendous shifts in employee management tactics and other HR practices, the survey reveals companies must innovate their HR approach to engage and retain talent. One area where employers can improve is the adoption of new technologies to increase staff productivity and satisfaction, with the survey showing 56 per cent of UAE firms are open to investing in the latest technologies to improve workplace culture.

“The Middle East region is a dynamic market characterised by growth, volatility, speed and diversity,” said Gabriele Metz, head of talent management RMEA, Ericsson. “Players in this market must be extremely agile and flexible; they must not only manage, but foresee and prepare for change. It is important for employers to adopt a continuous listening strategy to address employee expectations such as learning and development and reward and recognition to improve workplaces of the future.”

Dominique Jones, chief people officer, Halogen Software, added: “Employers need to have deep understanding about their employees and make sure the expectations of their staff are met.

“At Halogen we are committed to helping our customers win with talent by providing them with the resources and tools to attract, develop, retain and engage the best talent. We see tremendous opportunity for HR and business leaders in the Middle East region to develop people centric talent strategies that embeds coaching and feedback into their company culture, engages leaders to develop employees, and empowers employees to achieve goals and development activities.”

The study also revealed the UAE’s working professionals value remuneration (52 per cent) and benefits (54 per cent) the most in an organisation.

In line with Dubai’s vision of establishing itself as a global leader in the future workplace, the 13th HR Summit and Expo - which runs from November 14 to 16 at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre (DIECC) - will host 125 globally-renowned speakers and more than 100 international exhibitors from the Middle East, Europe and Asia.
    
Malcolm Gladwell, an inspirational leader, visionary, public speaker and best-selling author of The Tipping Point, Blink, Outliers, What the Dog Saw, and the recent David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits and the Art of Battling Giant, will headline the guru sessions.

Other headlining gurus will be Dave Ulrich, the world’s most influential HR thinker, who will present a session on Transforming HR: What HR Departments do to Deliver Value and What are the Competencies for HR to Create Value; and Peter Cappelli, Professor at Wharton Business School, who will discuss Talent Management: What it Takes to Attract Top Talent. – TradeArabia News Service