The Salary Survey 2025 by Bayt.com, in collaboration with Markelytics Solutions, highlights key insights into the MENA region’s workforce trends, offering valuable guidance for employers. With input from over 1,200 professionals across the GCC, North Africa, and the Levant, the survey examines employee satisfaction, mobility, benefits, and compensation expectations.
Key Findings:
- Job Mobility: Men are more likely to change jobs than women (65% vs. 50%), driven by compensation and career growth. Younger professionals (18–25) exhibit the highest turnover rates, while employees aged 36+ report greater career stability.
- Tenure Trends: 81% of employees have been with their current employer for less than two years. Longer tenures are more common in North Africa and the Levant due to workforce protections, while the GCC sees shorter tenures due to contractual limitations for expatriates.
- Compensation & Benefits:
- Financial Benefits: 77% of employees receive bonuses or overtime pay, with men more likely to benefit from financial perks.
- Work-Life Balance: Women report better work-life balance policies, but fewer monetary benefits.
- Healthcare Coverage: Most prevalent in GCC countries, with North Africa showing better access to professional training programs.
- Flexible Work Options: Only 25% report access to flexible working hours, while family-oriented benefits remain scarce.
Dissatisfaction & Aspirations:
- Salaries: Dissatisfaction persists, with 28% of men and 38% of women unhappy with their pay. Younger employees express greater frustration with stagnant wages and limited recognition.
- Raises: Two-thirds of respondents did not receive salary increases in 2024, but 46% of women and 34% of men expect raises of 20% or more in 2025.
- Retention Challenges: High mobility remains a defining feature, with 59% planning to leave their jobs soon. Dissatisfaction stems from inadequate salaries, burnout, and toxic workplaces.
Regional Insights:
- North Africa: Leads in salary increments and employee satisfaction, particularly with management and organizational culture.
- GCC: Benefits from employer-provided housing and allowances but faces retention challenges among expatriate workers.
- Levant: Reports minimal optimism for future raises, reflecting broader economic challenges.
Expert Perspectives:
- Jasal Shah, CEO of Markelytics Solutions, emphasized the need for employers to prioritize personal growth, stability, and supportive work environments.
- Dina Tawfik, VP of Growth at Bayt.com, highlighted the importance of aligning people strategies with employee aspirations to reduce turnover and enhance satisfaction.
Actionable Insights
Organizations must address critical gaps in compensation, benefits, and career advancement, particularly for younger employees and women. By improving these areas, employers can build a more engaged, resilient workforce.
Conducted in December 2024, this comprehensive study offers actionable data to help businesses optimize their workforce strategies, ensuring alignment with the evolving needs of the MENA region’s diverse talent pool.
News Source: Performance Comms
