JEDDAH — The oil, gas and petrochemicals industry is a regional leader in terms of satisfaction, employee experience, and the perception of professionals employed in other industries, a recent “Top Industries in the MENA" survey conducted by Bayt.com, the Middle East's number one job site, and YouGov, a research and consulting organization, revealed Monday. The survey also showed that the main reason for employees to change industry is due to better salaries elsewhere. When asked about their satisfaction with the industry they are currently employed in, respondents across the region were predominantly satisfied. In terms of job security and stability, 35 percent claim to be happy, and 28 percent claim to be neutral. 37 percent are also satisfied with maintaining a work-life balance. Those who are most satisfied are currently employed in the oil, gas and petrochemical industry, which was ranked top for salary packages, and job security and stability. The hospitality industry also ranked high, coming first in work/life balance, and career growth opportunities. Levels of satisfaction play a major role in employees deciding to change industry. Of those who participated in the survey, a quarter changed from one industry to another in the last 24 months. In descending order, the top reasons for doing so are better salaries, better growth opportunities, and a lack of recognition in their previous industry. Respondents claim that the oil, gas and petrochemicals industry is clearly the most desirable in their country of residence. The industry came out top in salary packages (48 percent), work-life balance (28 percent), career growth opportunities (34 percent) and job security and stability (34 percent). Banking and finance came in second. When unemployed experienced professionals were asked about the industry that they were seeking employment in, construction came first with 9 percent of respondents currently looking for a job in this industry. IT and banking/finance came next as a joint second, with 6 percent each. Three industries tied for third place with 5 percent of respondents seeking employment in them: Oil, gas, and petrochemicals, manufacturing, and tourism/hospitality. In the Gulf countries, the top industries that unemployed experienced professionals are seeking employment in are: Banking/finance at 12 percent, construction at 8 percent, and IT at 6 percent. In North African countries, these industries are: Construction at 9 percent, tourism/hospitality at 7 percent, and IT at 6 percent. Meanwhile, in the Levant professionals are most attracted to jobs in construction (9 percent), healthcare/medical services (7 percent) and oil, gas and petrochemicals, as well as management consulting (tied at 6 percent). — SG
