In a recent survey by leading job site Bayt.com and YouGov, the driving factors contributing to employee loyalty in the MENA region were identified, along with actions that could potentially enhance or undermine it.

In the survey, 55% of participants reported having been with their current employer for over four years. This stability appears to parallel workplace satisfaction, with nearly 60% of employees indicating satisfaction with their current employers. Meanwhile, 33% of employees categorize themselves as “very loyal” to their organizations, with an additional 23% feeling “somewhat loyal”.

The survey also found that the vast majority of workers (81%) were highly engaged with their jobs, indicating a deep immersion in day-to-day company activities.

In terms of factors contributing to overall loyalty, the survey reports that salary satisfaction stands out as a critical aspect for 54% of respondents, closely followed by employee job fit at 36% and additional company benefits at 32%.

According to the survey, employers should focus on increased recognition and rewards to boost staff loyalty (cited by 60%). Opportunities for growth were identified by 52% of respondents, and the facilitation of regular discussion forums to address employee grievances was emphasized by 50%.

Regarding factors that could potentially detract from employee loyalty, neglecting staff suggestions had a significant impact (56% agreed). Heavy workloads or unequal distribution of responsibilities were cited by 54% of respondents as a problem, while poor communication from direct managers was also a major source of dissatisfaction (51% agreed).

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Ola Haddad, General Manager at Bayt.com explained the importance of the research, saying: “Understanding and nurturing employee loyalty is critical in navigating the dynamic landscapes of the MENA workforce. Our survey reveals a powerful correlation between trust in leadership and employee allegiance”.

Zafar Shah, Account Director at YouGov added: “As the data suggests, employees who feel valued through fair compensation, job fit, and career opportunities are more inclined to feel more engaged in their workplace and speak about their companies’ products and services passionately. It is this sense of belonging and purpose that distinguishes highly loyal employees from the rest”.