In response to the rising cost of living in the UAE, many companies are extending commission-based incentives beyond traditional sales roles.
This shift aims to reward exceptional performance across various departments, helping businesses retain top talent and offer employees additional income.
Nicki Wilson, owner and managing director of Genie Recruitment, highlights the growing trend of incorporating commissions and bonuses based on business performance or key metrics outside of sales roles.
“We have seen a rise in commissions for people outside of sales, which could be calculated on department performance or customer satisfaction metrics,”
she says.
Jigar Sagar, founder and partner of Talent Higher, notes that employees are increasingly seeking positions with performance-based incentives.
“There is a shift towards roles in services and operations where incentives are tied to KPIs. Employees are motivated to grow their income by enhancing business performance, not just for personal gain but to contribute to the company’s success,”
he explains.
As the cost of living, particularly in terms of rent, has surged in the past three and a half years, employees are exploring ways to increase their income. Sagar points out that many are taking on additional tasks within their current roles or engaging in freelancing and side hustles. This trend is evident in fields like graphic design, where individuals are selling digital art to supplement their earnings.
Wilson warns that while side hustles and job changes may offer short-term financial relief, they can damage long-term career prospects.
“Job hopping might increase income temporarily, but it can hurt your CV. It’s crucial to consider career advancement holistically, including salary, benefits, culture, and alignment with career goals,”
she advises.
To support employees and retain talent, Wilson suggests that employers implement benefits like schooling, cash bonuses, and wellness activities.
“Employers should engage with their employees to understand their needs and introduce policies that address rising costs. Retaining good employees often requires only small adjustments,”
she concludes.
News Source: Khaleej Times
