Employee satisfaction levels in the Middle East are reportedly lower than in other regions of the world. According to a recent study, the Middle East average for Employee Commitment is 57 compared to the world average of 60.
The regional study, conducted by the Core Group in cooperation with the Arabian Business Magazine, polled nearly 800 employees across the region in a variety of industries.
"The system we use develops a one number index score based on the level of employee commitment – which is a combination of employee satisfaction levels and how motivated they find their work environment," explains Managing Director of the Core Group, Steve Halligan. "In general, employees are less happy with their working lives in the region than elsewhere in the world."
The scores vary from industry to industry with the Education sector scoring lowest with 45 and Government highest with 69. On average, it appears that men are more satisfied at work than women with each group scoring 57 and 54 respectively. From a country perspective, Qatar has the happiest employees with a score of 64 and Lebanon the most dissatisfied with 48.
According to Halligan, the low employment commitment in the Middle East has significant implications for employers in the region. "We have seen a strong relationship between levels of employee commitment and customer satisfaction, so those employers who choose to ignore the feelings of their employees do so at their own risk. This is true of all industries but the situation is much more acute if your employees have a direct relationship with the customer."
"The number one motivator across the region is not money – as many people would have probably suggested before the survey – but having the chance to use your abilities in your job," explains Halligan. "Unfortunately, in general, they do not feel that this is actually happening. Most are dissatisfied on this aspect of their employment."
Halligan continues, "The findings from this study have shown us what we have always seen in the customized programs we run for specific organizations – in general there is much to do in improving the levels of morale, motivation and performance across the board." — (menareport.com)
© 2004 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
