Despite significant investments in office upgrades post-COVID, a new report reveals that a majority of UAE employees are dissatisfied with their workspaces. Noise and a lack of available room are cited as the primary concerns, highlighting a disconnect between employer provisions and employee needs for optimal productivity and well-being.
UAE Employees Grapple with Workspace Woes
A recent Global Workplace Survey by design consultancy Gensler indicates that only 31% of UAE office staff strongly agree their current workplace enables them to perform their best work. This finding is surprising given the extensive upgrades and new office developments in Dubai and Abu Dhabi following the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which were met with high demand.
Key Takeaways
- Persistent Challenges: Noise, insufficient room availability, and inefficient layouts remain common issues for UAE employees.
- Improvement Priorities: Employees prioritize quiet spaces for focused work, enhanced acoustics in meeting rooms, and access to informal collaboration zones.
- Global Comparison: While the UAE’s 31% satisfaction rate is higher than France and Japan, it lags behind the UK, India, and the United States.
Bridging the Gap: Employee Needs Versus Current Offerings
Edith Eddy, Senior Interior Designer, Workplace, at Gensler Middle East, emphasized the significant gap between what employees require to thrive—flexibility, creativity, and connection—and what their current office environments provide. She stressed that addressing this disparity is crucial for organizations aiming to attract talent, foster innovation, and design workplaces that support the future of work in the Emirates.
The Shift Towards Flexible and Wellness-Focused Spaces
Interestingly, only 15% of UAE staff desire a traditional ‘business hub’ environment. Instead, a strong preference exists for ‘creative labs’ or ‘nature retreats’—flexible, tranquil, and purpose-driven settings that better support innovation and well-being. This sentiment aligns with a global trend away from rigid corporate structures, with the UAE ranking among the top five countries where employees favor imaginative and wellness-oriented workspaces.
