In the UAE, employees’ optimism about personal economic futures is not only shaping how they view their careers but also driving their willingness to contribute to societal progress. The 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer: Trust at Work found that a remarkable 80% of employees in the UAE are confident that they and their families will be better off in five years, compared to 52% globally. This high level of economic optimism is fostering a culture of trust and, civic responsibility, as well as a desire to make a meaningful impact both in the workplace and beyond.
Impact as a workplace dealbreaker
An overwhelming 86% of UAE employees, on average, say that the ability to make an impact through their work is either a strong expectation or even a dealbreaker when considering a job. This trend is consistent across different demographics, with men, women, and individuals from various age groups and income levels valuing the opportunity to do meaningful work and contribute to addressing social problems.
This desire for impact reflects the changing priorities of the modern workforce. Employees in the UAE are not just looking for financial security or career growth; they are seeking roles that align them with broader societal goals. Employers that embrace this expectation by offering corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and opportunities for meaningful work will be better positioned to attract and retain top talent.
Civic responsibility surges with optimism
The link between economic optimism and civic responsibility is especially strong in the UAE. Employees who are optimistic about their economic future are 14 points more likely to be willing to make personal sacrifices for the greater good of their country (Data collected as part of the 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer). In fact, 81% of optimistic employees in the UAE say they are ready to make such sacrifices, highlighting a growing sense of collective responsibility and engagement with societal issues.
This shift towards civic consciousness provides a significant opportunity for organizations to foster greater trust and engagement within their workforce. By supporting employees’ desires to contribute to societal progress, companies can build stronger connections with their teams and benefit from increased loyalty and advocacy. When employees believe their work contributes to something larger than themselves, they are more likely to invest in both their workplace and their communities.
Fostering impact to close the economic optimism gap
While economic optimism is already high in the UAE, organizations have the opportunity to close any remaining gaps by empowering employees to make an impact. Feeling like your employer respects diverse views and strives to make society better are one of the drivers of personal economic optimism for associates, globally. This, in turn, boosts morale, productivity, and trust within the organization.
By creating opportunities for employees to engage in projects that contribute to societal progress, whether through community engagement, CSR programs, or impactful business initiatives, businesses in the UAE can build a workforce that is not only highly engaged but also deeply connected to the company’s mission and the community.
The combination of economic optimism, trust, and civic responsibility offers a powerful formula for success in the UAE workplace. Employees who feel optimistic about their future are more likely to go above and beyond in their roles, advocate for their companies, and contribute to societal progress.
For organizations, the key lies in creating an environment where workers can make a meaningful impact, both within the company and in the broader community. By nurturing economic optimism and aligning business goals with societal values, employers can unlock higher levels of loyalty, trust, and productivity, driving both business success and positive change in the UAE.