A recent salary survey conducted by the leading Middle East job platform in collaboration with a leading market research organization revealed employee perceptions regarding salaries and incentives within their organizations across the Middle East and North Africa region. The findings indicate that approximately two-thirds (63%) of respondents in the region believe their salaries are either increasing or remaining stable in their home countries.
Salaries and Benefits in Lebanon
Regarding compensation, 27% of respondents in Lebanon reported that their current pay package includes a base salary plus benefits, while 60% said it consists of only a base salary, and 12% mentioned a combination of base salary, benefits, and commissions. Additionally, 30% of respondents stated that their companies provide financial compensation for overtime work.
When asked about preferred pay structures, over two-thirds (65%) of respondents favored a fully fixed salary structure, while 16% preferred a partially fixed structure with variable components such as commissions and bonuses.
The most commonly reported benefits received by employees in Lebanon include transportation allowances (30%), personal health insurance (22%), bonuses (18%), and family health insurance (13%).
In response to the survey results, Ula Hadad, Human Resources Administration Manager at the job platform, commented: "The 2021 salary survey offers valuable insights for both employers and employees, covering current pay structures and levels, satisfaction rates, and perceptions about living costs and expenses. It provides a comprehensive view of the labor market and overall economy. Employers today must pay close attention to the total compensation packages they offer and consider employee expectations regarding salaries."
Factors Enhancing Loyalty
Interestingly, 43% of respondents indicated that their loyalty to their company is not primarily tied to their salary, while 19% said their loyalty is significantly influenced by the salary offered. Beyond pay, colleagues (30%), opportunities for career advancement (28%), and workplace environment (27%) emerged as key drivers of employee loyalty.
When asked about their professional plans over the next 12 months, 32% of respondents in Lebanon said they would be seeking a better position within their current industry, while 33% expressed intentions to look for improved roles in a different sector.
On quality of life, more than half of the respondents (54%) felt they are better off or living at a similar standard to peers in their age group within their country.
About the Respondents
43% of respondents in Lebanon have worked in their current industry for up to six years, and 70% have been employed with their current company for six years or less, with 30% indicating they have worked there for less than three years.
When asked about their career stage, 26% said they are in the middle phase of their professional journey, while 34% reported being at a relatively high level but not yet holding the top position.
Dr. Zafar Shah, Research Director at the market research organization, added: "This salary survey sheds light on the labor market from the employee perspective, helping job seekers understand their value in today’s market and enabling employers to identify what truly supports both organizational success and employee satisfaction. Employers aiming to stand out will invest in career development opportunities and training—key factors that strengthen employee loyalty alongside salary."
Data for the Middle East and North Africa salary survey were collected online between March 3 and March 15, 2021, involving 2,524 participants from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Palestine, Syria, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Sudan, and other countries.
