According to a new survey released on Thursday, nearly two-thirds (66%) of UAE employees work from co-working spaces, third spaces, or on-site at client offices. This reflects the growing trend of co-working spaces in the country, particularly in Dubai. The findings, published by the Gensler Research Institute in its Global Workplace Survey 2024, also revealed that over 9 out of 10 employees (94%) in exceptional workplaces have the flexibility to choose where they work within the office. This autonomy to work across multiple settings enhances their sense of value and engagement.
The study found that top-performing workplaces are typically located in neighborhoods rich in amenities and are integrated into a broader environment featuring diverse spaces such as libraries, cafes, outdoor areas, and co-working spaces.
“It’s time to redefine workplaces for the next evolution of work. Organizations and leaders need to move beyond merely returning to the office and seize the opportunity to design high-performing spaces where people can work at their best,” said Janet Pogue McLaurin, Global Director of Workplace Research at Gensler.
The study was conducted through an anonymous, panel-based survey of over 16,000 full-time global office workers across 15 countries, including the US, Mexico, Canada, UK, Germany, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and the Philippines. Respondents represented 10 client industries and a broad cross-section of company sizes, roles, ages, and geographies. The survey was conducted between October 31, 2023, and January 29, 2024, and excluded full-time remote workers.
The study also found that around 17% of the UAE workforce works from home, while 49% have returned to their office. Despite nearly half of the workforce being back in the office, 71% believe they need to be in the workplace to maximize both individual and team productivity.
Additionally, UAE workers are the second most engaged among the 15 countries surveyed, spending up to 62% of their time collaborating, learning, or socializing.
Ranking the UAE third among 15 countries for exceptional workplaces, the study found that over 9 out of 10 employees (96%) in high-performing workplaces have control over how they manage their time at work, compared to just over half of those in low-performing workplaces.
stay with their company next year, compared to just 53 per cent of the least engaged.ChatGPT
Nearly all of the most engaged employees (97%) said they were likely to stay with their company next year, compared to just 53% of the least engaged employees.