GCC nationals working in the private sector report significantly higher levels of engagement (45 per cent) compared to their counterparts in the public sector (37 per cent), a report said.

This is despite the perceived attractiveness of working in the public sector and its considerable increase in wages and allowances, according to research by human capital specialist Aon Hewitt, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

Favourable working conditions in the public sector such as job security, status and regulated working hours have traditionally been seen as key engagement factors for nationals.

However, the research findings show that an average of 20 per cent of GCC nationals working in the private sector are at high risk of attrition compared with 24 per cent in the public sector.

In addition, the satisfaction level with regards to pay for nationals working in the public sector (32 per cent) was not significantly higher than the overall average (30 per cent).

The findings come from Aon Hewitt's latest Qudurat study, a pioneering research initiative focused on understanding what drives and motivates talent in the region, with an emphasis on understanding national talent.

The research includes participation from more than 100 public and private institutions including Gulf Air, Emirates NBD, Alghanim Industries and Dolphin Energy.

The research also revealed that employee engagement levels of GCC nationals have decreased from 51 per cent to 44 per cent in the past two years.

Along with Kuwait, Bahrain reports one of the highest engagement levels for expatriates in the GCC.

Compared to 2010 results, expatriates continue to show consistently high levels of engagement. On the other hand, there is a decline of four percentage points in the engagement level of Bahrainis.

However, the good news is that the private sector is clearly doing something right in engaging and retaining national talent with their overall level of engagement in the private sector being significantly higher (51 per cent) than the public sector (41 per cent).

When asked whether they were proud to be part of their organisation, 76 per cent Bahrainis in the private sector agreed as compared to 68 per cent of Bahrainis working in the public sector.

The private sector also had significantly higher levels of satisfaction with the learning and development opportunities.

"The Qudurat findings demonstrate a change in attitudes among nationals towards working in the private sector," Aon Hewitt Middle East chief executive Dr Markus Wiesner said.

"The private sector is clearly doing something right in terms of attracting and engaging national talent."

The key findings of the research project were presented by Aon Hewitt to over 100 HR professionals and heads of nationalisation at an event at the JW Marriott Marquis in Dubai.

Guest speakers Serco chief executive Zafar Raja and Emirates National Development Programme executive director Essa Al Mulla also presented insights from the perspectives of industry and government. – TradeArabia News Service