JEDDAH – Professionals in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region feel positive about 2013, with career aspirations ranking high on their lists of New Year's resolutions, Bayt.com's recent poll released Saturday said. According to ”MENA professionals New Year Resolutions” poll of the region's number one job site, 75.3 percent of MENA professionals “are feeling positive about ushering in 2013.” The New Year marks a time to reflect, act and make lasting changes to longstanding issues. In line with this premise, 56.4 percent of the poll's respondents admit to making resolutions on the cusp of a new year, with a staggering 76.3 percent already decided on which work-related goals they are seeking to accomplish in 2013. Interestingly, more than three quarters (82.3 percent) of respondents succeed in attaining resolutions, not breaking the promises until they have been fulfilled. On a more personal front, of those who have made resolutions for the next year, 19.1 percent would like to save more money, 17.8 percent intend to enhance their personal grooming, 12.8 percent are looking to spend more quality time with family and a mere 9.2 percent plan on taking additional time off from work. “With 13 years of operations under Bayt.com's belt, our members have access to the tools and technology they need to empower them to find the career they desire and ensure that their career aspirations are met for the new year,” said Suhail Masri, VP of Sales at Bayt.com. “We have a lot of exciting plans for 2013, where we are presenting professionals in the MENA region with the opportunity to carve out their online footprint, which is an increasingly essential component to the employment market.” In terms of end-of-year preparations at the workplace, 73.6 percent of respondents said that they undergo appraisals in their respective companies. A large portion of MENA's jobholders (48 percent) are set to request a higher salary for 2013, and 19 percent are striving for a higher position or better title. The system of year-end appraisals is regarded as highly effective by 63 percent of employees – a figure strongly indicative of their need for performance reviews and objectives. In terms of frequency, 17.3 percent believe that appraisals should be year-round, rather than just toward the year's completion. “Assessing an individual's job performance and productivity is key to ensuring employee growth and satisfaction,” said Masri. “Determining career progress, milestones and expectations can significantly help employees achieve peak performance and pave a path to career advancement. From an employer's perspective, this system enables them to boost employees' confidence, identify strengths and weaknesses and improve overall effectiveness. While the frequency of appraisals depends on the organization, what remains pivotal is that the process delivers optimal results and brings out the best of employees all year long.” When asked if they were pleased with their 2012 personal and professional growth, a majority of 34 percent said they were happy with both. The outlook is extremely positive for the year to come, with 75.3 percent of professionals feeling positive about 2013 and 57.9 percent of professionals are confident of their ability to make 2013 their best year yet. — SG
