Summer sees increase in demand for temporary office staff across UAE

Dulsco, a leading provider of blue collar and white collar manpower, has witnessed an increase in the demand for temporary workers across the UAE this summer, when many residents proceed for their annual holidays, leaving hundreds of open positions for temporary staff. 

This year, Dulsco has seen an increase in demand by 9.5% for temporary office workers in the period May to July in comparison to the same period last year, signifying a higher level of business activity in the region. Receptionists, office administration, logistics, data entry operators, secretarial and accounts, continued to be positions in higher demand in comparison to other jobs. 

“The demand follows a natural pattern during the summer months, when expatriates and their families traditionally return to their home countries for their summer holidays,” said Prabhu Dharmarajan, Senior Manager of Dulsco HR Outsourcing. “Companies need to keep their operations going and hence seek temporary workers with the right experience, skills set and training to fill the empty posts.”

Dharmarajan attributed the increase in the demand for temporary office workers this year to the simultaneous occurrence of summer holidays and Ramadan. “Business is picking up in many sectors and it is very difficult for companies to operate with a lean staff,” he said. “Ramadan is a busy time for major sectors such as retail, logistics and hospitality. Most sectors, especially small and medium businesses, hire temporary employees during the summer months to remain competitive during this period.” 

To make it easier for companies to operate smoothly when their staff members go on leave, Dulsco provides personnel that are capable of handling complex tasks and are hence able to hit the ground running. Dulsco’s clients usually put in requests for summer hiring well in advance. 

“Most of our clients look for experienced temporary employees who can engage the client’s customers and have the knowledge about their products and services that will add real benefit — and profits,” Dharmarajan added.  

Dulsco’s findings come close on the heels of last month’s survey conducted by the Department of Economic Development, which polled 500 onshore and free zone companies across Dubai. The survey revealed that companies in the manufacturing and services industries are planning to increase their workforce in 2011, while trading companies intend to maintain the same level of employment as the first quarter.