UAE workforce is largely satisfied in their jobs

The majority of UAE residents are happy in their job.

Musfata Abdullah, 27, an Egyptian sales worker talks about financial worries in Abu Dhabi. Ravindranath K / The National

ABU DHABI // Three in four residents are satisfied with their job, according to our survey.

Flexibility of work hours (60 per cent), job security (58 per cent), salary (56 per cent) and workload (56 per cent) are the most satisfying aspects of employees’ current job, according to The National’s poll.

Jasim Al Mehairbi, a 24-year-old Emirati who works for the government as an operator, said he liked his job.

I’m happy with my job,” said Mr Al Mehairbi, from Abu Dhabi.

“It is not easy, yet not hard. The feeling that I am able to do good work and keep things running makes me feel good.”

While the job he has is not rewarded with bonuses, Mr Al Mehairbi said his monthly wage compensated for this.

“We do not get much bonuses but the salary itself is pretty good,” he said.

Mr Al Mehairbi said he never fears for the safety of his job.

“I feel secure because I am giving it all I got,” he said. “I am doing a good job for what they ask me to do and I meet their criteria so in return I feel secure.”

Suliman Okar works as an editor and production coordinator in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

While he says his work is fun, the 23-year-old Syrian is worried about job security.

“I am not too secure because it is a small company I work for,” he said. “If it closes then ...”

Ammar Al Aradi, a 29-year-old from Bahrain is a regional director for an online music service in Dubai. He said he worries about job security.

“Security is not so much as the company is privately funded by one guy,” he said.

Despite this he is happy in his career choice. “I do something I like in music events.”

Hissa Omar, 31, who works as a chief accountant in Dubai, is also content in her job.

“I am happy about the working hours, the location, the environment — and because I am applying what I learnt in finance.”

When asked about job satisfaction, three quarters of employed respondents (74 per cent) are satisfied with their current job. This includes 26 per cent of employed respondents who are “extremely satisfied” with their current job.

Out of all nationalities, Emiratis were the happiest in their job.

“UAE offers better job opportunities and prospects to expatriates as compared to their home countries,” said Alaeddine Ghazouani, research manager at YouGov.

“As companies based in the Emirates continue to succeed to guarantee the main factors of satisfaction — such as salary, benefits, career development, workload and working hour flexibility — employees tend to be predominately satisfied with their job.

“However, as bright as this picture could be, it is important to highlight that half of employees surveyed are somewhat satisfied in their job, which means there is room for improvement.”

Emmy Gamayo is a nurse in Abu Dhabi. She has been living and working in the emirate for six years.

“I came here for monetary reasons,” she said.

The Filipino said she is very satisfied with her job.

“I am very happy,” said the 30-year-old. “My superiors are very supportive.”

The pay and bonuses are also good, she said.

Mustafa Abdullah, 27, is one of those workers who feels his job could be better.

The Egyptian sales worker in Abu Dhabi, said he is unhappy in his job, mainly because of his wage.

“The salary is low. Every request is not approved.”

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About this series:

A study into the saving habits of Emiratis and expatriates found a quarter of all employed residents do not save any of their monthly wage. And 69 per cent have not started planning for retirement. The survey found that only 6 per cent of respondents do not have any financial worries. The majority of people’s wages are spent on rent, followed by groceries and household items leaving some residents dependent on multiple credit cards and longing for financial security. Financial experts advise residents to resist overspending to avoid a struggle when faced with unexpected expenses.

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In this series:

■ Majority of expats in UAE sending money abroad, survey finds

■ High cost of living forces half of expats to consider leaving UAE

Coverage from March 10th:

■ Emergency cash reserves needed in case of redundancy, says financial advisor

■ Many UAE workers fearful over losing their jobs

■ Most UAE employees unhappy with frequency of pay rises, survey shows

Coverage from March 9th:

■ Survey finds 94% of UAE residents have financial worries

■ Rent is UAE residents' biggest expense, survey finds

■ Survey finds many UAE residents failing to save for retirement