A new polarization in the workplace

The 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer Special Report: Trust at Work in the UAE reveals a new polarization in the workplace, marked by a global widening gap between associates and executives in optimism about their personal economic futures. This chasm is affecting performance, productivity, and mental health, and employers have an opportunity to close it to increase trust throughout society.

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Global widening gap in economic optimism between associates and executives

Economic optimism among executives (EVP+) and associates (entry-level and non-managers) continues to diverge and associates feel left behind. Globally, executives are 2.5 times more likely than associates to trust their CEO to tell the truth about what is happening within their organization, whereas associates are more inclined than executives to trust their coworkers. Notably, job level is a more powerful predictor of trust than income.

High Economic Optimism in the UAE

80% of employees express optimism about their financial future in the next 5 years, higher than the global average of 52%. This optimism correlates with higher levels of engagement, discretionary effort, and trust in institutions.

Economic optimism in the UAE boosts effort and advocacy

Economically optimistic employees are more likely to put in discretionary effort and go beyond job expectations in the UAE. Globally, they are also more likely to advocate for their employer, post positive content online, and act as workplace ambassadors.

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A unique opportunity for UAE companies to harness economic optimism

Close the economic optimism gap

Global employees at the bottom of the organizational hierarchy have half the economic optimism of those at the top. When that gap is closed, and those at the bottom feel optimistic, associates are more likely to invest discretionary effort into their work.

Leverage AI as a tool for engagement, not just efficiency

Globally, economically optimistic employees are more likely to embrace AI in the workplace, while less optimistic employees may feel threatened by it. Frame AI adoption as a way to enhance employee roles rather than replace them. Offer training on AI tools and emphasize how technology can be used to drive career growth and personal development.

Focus on purpose and impact

UAE employees place high value on being able to make an impact through their work, with on average 86% saying it’s a key job consideration. Ensure that employees see the broader purpose of their work. Connect their roles to larger societal goals and offer projects or initiatives that allow them to contribute to meaningful change.

Enhance civic engagement opportunities

Economic optimism is linked to stronger civic attitudes in the UAE, with optimistic employees more willing to make personal sacrifices for the greater good. Tapping into this civic-mindedness can increase loyalty and engagement. Employers in the UAE should feel empowered to address societal challenges by improving the workplace experience.

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Methodology

The 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer Special Report: Trust at Work is in its 4th year, however, this is the first year when a special report focusing on the UAE is released. The research was produced by the Edelman Trust Institute and consisted of 30-minute online interviews conducted between July 19 and July 25, 2024. Learn more >

8
Countries, including the UAE

Nearly 8,000
Respondents, with over 900 in the UAE

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Workplace Advisory’s approach is built on 25 years of research on what constitutes trust and our passion is driving that trust outwards from the workplace to the marketplace to create new value.