JEDDAH – Employees in Saudi Arabia consider that a good work-life balance to be important for the levels of motivation, an “Employee Motivation in the MENA" survey conducted by Bayt.com, the Middle East's number on job site, and YouGov, a research and consulting organization, showed Tuesday. The report noted that while 54 percent of KSA respondents claim that their company supports them to achieve this, 75 percent state that they are actively considering leaving their current job. On a day-to-day basis, six out of 10 employees in KSA (58 percent) feel that they are either “highly motivated" (28 percent) or “motivated" (30 percent) by the work that they do. Interestingly, three-quarters (75 percent) of KSA respondents believe that a good work-life balance is a very important source of motivation, with 55 percent claiming that their current organization offers support for them to achieve this (this is 3 percent lower than the regional average of 58 percent). Other than work-life balance, the leading motivators for employees across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are recognition of work and achievements (47 percent); training and development opportunities (45 percent); the opportunity for career advancement (42 percent); being able to feel that their work has an impact (40 percent); personal fulfillment (39 percent), and opportunities for long-term career growth (39 percent). Also ranking highly were participating in decision making (37 percent); the respondent's colleagues and work environment (34 percent); the nature of their daily responsibilities (31 percent), and being able to set and reach goals (31 percent). Despite these high motivation factors, there are not many respondents who prefer to maintain their position with their current employer. Four out of 10 KSA respondents (40 percent) are intending to stay with their current organization for a minimum of 12 months, compared to the regional average of 39 percent. A further 35 percent intend to stay for a minimum of 3 to 5 years, with only 12 percent stating that they will continue for at least 10 years, or until retirement. “Retaining quality performers simply adds to increased productivity and morale, while reducing the associated costs of turnover. Our survey's results show that companies need to be doing more to help boost levels of motivation for the employees, specifically on the work-life balance front as that's what matters to most professionals," said Suhail Masri, VP of Sales, Bayt.com. “Bayt.com specializes not only in empowering job seekers by helping them to find their ideal job, but by providing all involved in the recruitment industry with essential statistics that shape the region's employment scene from all perspectives. We recommend using the benchmarks in Bayt.com's “Employee Motivation in the MENA" survey to help HR policymakers assess and identify the specific motivational factors that are important to employees. A proven process and strategy should then be set to boost retention levels, as with just any other business goal." To help increase retention levels, the incentives that respondents claim are most important to them are monetary rewards (55 percent); certificates (35 percent); time off (19 percent); medals, or plaques of achievement (14 percent), and functional awards, such as gym memberships, discount vouchers and so on (13 percent). Across the MENA region, the majority (92 percent) of respondents feel that the work that they do is significant to their company, with 86 percent stating that their job is significant and important to their colleagues, customers and business partners. A further 72 percent believe that their work is important to their country of residence, while an additional 72 percent say that what they do is significant to their society. Three-quarters (76 percent) claim that their work gives them a sense of personal achievement, with 77 percent stating it offers them a sense of professional achievement. In KSA, respondents' personal attitudes toward work are high, in accordance with regional sentiments. Nine out of 10 (90 percent) say that their job is significant to their company; nine out of 10 (85 percent) say their job is important to their colleagues, customers and business partners; 70 percent state that what they do is important to the country, and 69 percent believe their job is important to society. Three-quarters state that their work offers them a sense of personal achievement (74 percent), and a sense of professional achievement (74 percent). On a regional level, respondents are most loyal to their profession/line of work, followed by loyalty to their customers, clients and business partners. Those who command the least loyalty are line managers, with only 44 percent saying their manager communicates what is going on in the organization to them. Respondents from the MENA also believe that 54 percent of line managers consult with them enough on matters of importance; 53 percent challenge their employees to achieve their best and 50 percent give formal appreciation following a job well done. Line managers are perceived to be committed to their companies by 78 percent of respondents, as well as being open to suggestions (65 percent) and supportive if the respondent has a problem (62 percent). Yet, in KSA, only 39 percent believe that their management takes the time to listen to their concerns and suggestions. – SG
