A new survey conducted by the region’s leading job platform, in collaboration with a prominent market research organization, reveals that 82% of professionals across the Middle East and North Africa prefer working for companies that leverage advanced technology.
The findings highlight evolving perceptions about the ideal workplace, with nearly six in ten respondents (58%) identifying remote work options as one of the most important features employers should offer.
Key Priorities for Professionals in the Region
Beyond the importance of advanced technology, 79% of respondents expressed a preference for environments filled with challenges. Additionally, 81% believe transparent communication is a crucial factor in any workplace setting.
Work-life balance ranks among the top considerations for professionals, with 82% stating it’s essential in any work environment. Other significant factors include fair performance evaluations (82% consider it important) and opportunities for innovation and creativity (also rated highly by 82%).
Alongside elements that attract talent, employee retention has emerged as a key concern for organizations. When asked what drives employee loyalty, respondents identified training and development opportunities (35%) and long-term career advancement (29%) as the top non-salary factors, second only to compensation.
Commenting on the results, Ula Hadad, HR Director at the job platform, said: "Professionals today seek exceptional work experiences within their workplaces, which are now seen as integrated ecosystems where professional fulfillment hinges on diversity and autonomy. This latest survey helped uncover modern workplace characteristics and pinpoint design strategies that enhance effectiveness and performance."
Company Values and Culture
In addition to workplace appeal and retention drivers, respondents were asked about company culture and its influence on job choices. Over half (52%) indicated that company culture is one of the most important factors they consider when joining an organization.
Professionals in the region value various aspects related to corporate responsibility and community impact. Key values enhancing a company’s attractiveness include strong work ethics (53%), a friendly company culture (38%), community support (26%), and environmentally sustainable practices (13%).
To underscore the role of technology, 42% of respondents said it’s easy to access information about a company’s culture and work environment during the hiring process. Social media (25%), dedicated career-focused company pages online (24%), and word-of-mouth reputation (23%) were identified as the most effective ways to communicate company culture to potential hires.
To explore this further, respondents were asked what information best reflects a company’s culture and environment. In the region, 57% said employee benefits are exceptionally important. Other highly valued insights included employee success stories and feedback (37%), company events and social initiatives (21%), awards and achievements (21%), and photos and videos from the workplace (9%).
Company Size and Office Design
Beyond cultural and ethical values, professionals also care about company size and office layout. A majority (53%) believe the ideal company size exceeds 50 employees.
Opinions on office design vary: 28% prefer enclosed offices, followed by open-plan spaces (23%), while some favor shared or partitioned workspaces (12% each).
Regarding interior office design, 60% of respondents said workplaces should have a distinctive look. Notably, 44% believe their office’s interior reflects their company’s brand identity and values, while 35% feel they have some freedom to personalize their workspace.
From the research team’s perspective, Zafar Shah, Research Director at the market research firm, stated: "There is a direct link between workforce satisfaction and company success. This recent survey identifies the essential elements professionals value in their work environments, helping businesses understand how to attract and retain top talent."
Data for the survey on the "Ideal Work Environment in the Middle East and North Africa" was collected online between May 3 and May 26, 2021, involving 3,536 participants from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Palestine, Syria, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Sudan, and other countries.
