The Centre for Labour Market Research and Information, the research wing of Tanmia, has recently published a new report entitled "Voices from the Shop Floor" highlighting the experiences of UAE Nationals employed in a number of organizations in the private sector.
The report assesses the impact of the multi-cultural work environment on Emirati employees through the eyes of 54 employees - 75 per cent female and 25 per cent male - who are currently employed in the private sector.
"The objective of this study is to provide an insight into the way UAE Nationals perceive their work environment in private sector workplaces," said Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Awar, Director General, Tanmia. "It seeks to develop an understanding of the social and work-environment related barriers facing Emiratis in realizing their full potential at work."
"Given the fact that UAE Nationals comprise just about 1 per cent of the workforce in the private sector, the study focuses on the multi-cultural work environment of the private sector and the challenges Emiratis face in integrating with the workforce socially and productivity-wise," added Dr. Al-Awar.
The research paper explores the realistic, cultural, social and economic challenges that young Nationals as a minority group typically encounter in their careers. Social and cultural factors are a major reason for the resignation of nearly 10% of UAE Nationals especially among the female
workers.
"Voice from the Shop Floor" is important reading for anyone interested in employment issues in the UAE," added Dr. Al-Awar. "It gives a fresh perspective on contemporary debates on Emiratisation in general and the private sector work environment in particular, through the eyes of men
and women who have experienced at first hand the challenge of working in a multi-cultural environment."
The report is the result of a series of interviews with Emirati employees, in groups as well as individually, conducted over several months. The report has produced some startling and bold statements from Emiratis, especially on the attitude of fellow employees and bosses, lack of training and career advancement, as well as salaries and working conditions.
"As Emiratisation in the private sector gathers momentum, we would like to use the findings to urge the employers to introduce measures that will ease the entry of Emiratis into their organization," said Dr. Al-Awar. "A large number of Nationals are eager and willing to work hard. They
must be given a fair chance and encouraged to develop their skills. By working towards integrating them into the workforce, organizations in the private sector are assisting in providing a further boost to Emiratisation." (menareport.com)
© 2004 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
