Dubai, UAE – The Gen Z in the UAE has a strong inclination towards hybrid work arrangements, where they can work both remotely and in the office, a recent report by the Oliver Wyman Forum. Gen Z currently constitutes more than a quarter of the global population and will make up 27 percent of the workforce by 2025.
The report, which focused on the age group of 18 to 25, highlighted several key findings in the UAE:
Side Hustles
A significant portion of Gen Z respondents in the UAE (42 percent) are engaged in formal or informal side jobs, surpassing the rate of non-Gen Z respondents (27 percent).
Among Gen Z individuals with side hustles, a sense of connectivity and community emerges as the primary motivation for taking on extra work, with 49 percent of respondents citing this factor.
In contrast, non-Gen Z individuals with side hustles in the UAE are primarily driven by personal passion.
Furthermore, nearly 10 percent of Gen Z in the UAE earn money through investment income.
Return to Office
The majority of Gen Z in the UAE (70 percent) express a preference for hybrid work environments, allowing them to have the flexibility of working both in the office and remotely.
Only 15 percent of Gen Z respondents in the UAE prefer fully remote work options.
On the other hand, non-Gen Z individuals in the UAE are 40 percent more likely than Gen Z to desire a full return to the office.
Retention and Job Satisfaction:
Gen Z employees in the UAE are 19 percent more likely than their counterparts in the US to actively or passively seek new job opportunities.
Non-Gen Z individuals in the UAE who switch jobs or seek new opportunities are primarily motivated by better compensation, followed by improved advancement and growth opportunities, and better work-life balance.
In contrast, Gen Z individuals are more likely to leave their current jobs in pursuit of better advancement and growth opportunities, higher compensation, and enhanced benefits and perks.
The Oliver Wyman Forum report, based on two years of extensive research, provides valuable insights into how Gen Z views the world and its potential impact on society and businesses.
The Oliver Wyman Forum is a leadership community dedicated to addressing shared global challenges. As the think tank of Oliver Wyman, the forum engages leading thinkers and conducts innovative research to inspire action, with a focus on making a positive difference.