A dynamic Middle Eastern workforce champions change

In the Middle East, where evolving policies, governance and technological advancements are continually reshaping the economic landscape, change has become the only constant. PwC’s latest Middle East Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey reveals a future-oriented workforce that is deeply engaged, forward-thinking and optimistic. Employees in the region are fully embracing the transformations around them, showing greater alignment with their organisations’ long-term goals than their global counterparts. They also have stronger confidence in their leadership’s ability to drive change and deliver on commitments.

This year, our survey of 1,500 public and private sector employees across the Middle East revealed sentiments significantly more positive than the global average. Employees in the region demonstrate a stronger appetite for personal and professional growth, with a pronounced emphasis on acquiring new skills. They keenly anticipate the future of jobs, aware that their roles are evolving rapidly due to factors such as technological advancements and the climate crisis. Opportunities for learning and development play a crucial role in their career decisions, highlighting a culture that values continuous improvement and adaptability.

The Middle East also leads in adopting remote work practices, highlighting a progressive approach to flexible work arrangements. Furthermore, there is a widespread and enthusiastic embrace of AI tools among regional employees, surpassing the global average. The region's workforce is more readily adopting GenAI, convinced of its potential to enhance work efficiency and productivity.

Given the speed, scale and scope of change in the region, leaders recognise the need to reinvent their business models and adapt their leadership approaches. As part of this transformation, they are now engaging with a more evolved workforce — one that is markedly more dynamic and positive than a year ago. This workforce is well-positioned to drive organisational success and navigate the future with confidence.

This report delves deeper into key employee sentiments across the Middle East and suggests critical actions for leaders to create opportunities for employee upskilling and growth, while embracing emerging technologies and new ways of working. Organisational heads must nurture their most important asset – their employees – as transformation plans in the region are likely to succeed only with their crucial support.