The statistics come amid a global need for employers to encourage work-life balance, along with creating a sustainable and nurturing workplace environment.
Despite the Middle East’s reputation as a land of opportunity for ambitious professionals, many workers in the UAE are leaving performance reviews feeling less confident about their future.
New research from recruitment firm Robert Walters found that more than one in four professionals felt less optimistic about their role following their latest review, highlighting a disconnect between the region’s booming job market and employee sentiment.
According to the study, only 21% said the process left them feeling more optimistic about their future within the organization. The statistics come amid a global need for employers to encourage work-life balance and to create and maintain sustainable, nurturing workplace environments.
The survey also found that 46% of professionals are concerned about their company’s ability to retain staff, with 66% considering a career move this year.
”Performance reviews are becoming increasingly important management moments, particularly as organizations look to balance worker needs while continuing to manage budgets,” said Andrew Powell, Chief Commercial Officer at Robert Walters.
”Employees want to know how their skills are valued, where they can progress, and whether the business is investing in their long-term development.”
The CCO highlighted that factors such as career progression, future earning potential, and compensation decisions may have impacted the decisions. This was despite employees’ understanding of the financial predicament.
Today, performance reviews have gone beyond salary and promotion discussions to encompass long-term conversations on career pathways, recognizing employee contributions, and strengthening engagement.
”Organizations that approach these conversations with transparency and consistency will be best positioned to retain and attract top talent,” said Jason Grundy, Managing Director of Robert Walters Middle East.
Companies are now adopting a more strategic approach to compensation management, leveraging market data and AI to assess competitiveness and respond to changing salary expectations.