Most UAE employees unhappy with frequency of pay rises, survey shows

Residents are unhappy with work bonuses and the frequency of pay rises.

ABU DHABI // Many employees are unhappy with the amount and frequency of pay rises and bonuses.

Almost half (48 per cent) of employed respondents to our poll said they last received a pay rise a year ago or less than 12 months ago. But only 54 per cent of those who received a pay rise were satisfied with it.

Fifty-four per cent of employed respondents expect a pay rise within the next two years: 32 per cent within the next 12 months, and 22 per cent within one to two years. But more than a third of employed respondents (36 per cent) do not know when their next pay rise will be.

The survey also asked about bonuses. It found that 56 per cent were dissatisfied with the link between pay and bonus, while 56 per cent were unhappy with the amount of bonuses they received. Fifty-five per cent were unhappy with the frequency of bonuses.

Dubai accountant Hissa Omar does not receive bonuses.

“I last got a pay rise two years ago,” she said. “I am not really happy with this because, according to my working experience and yearly evaluation, I believe I deserve more.”

The survey polled 1,104 people across the UAE: 581 live in Dubai, 230 in Abu Dhabi, 54 in Al Ain, 37 in Ajman, 10 in Fujairah, 13 in Ras Al Khaimah, 177 in Sharjah, and two in Umm Al Qaiwain.

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About this series:

A study into the saving habits of Emiratis and expatriates found a quarter of all employed residents do not save any of their monthly wage. And 69 per cent have not started planning for retirement. The survey found that only 6 per cent of respondents do not have any financial worries. The majority of people’s wages are spent on rent, followed by groceries and household items leaving some residents dependent on multiple credit cards and longing for financial security. Financial experts advise residents to resist overspending to avoid a struggle when faced with unexpected expenses.

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In this series:

■ Majority of expats in UAE sending money abroad, survey finds

■ High cost of living forces half of expats to consider leaving UAE

Coverage from March 10th:

■ UAE workforce is largely satisfied in their jobs

■ Emergency cash reserves needed in case of redundancy, says financial advisor

■ Many UAE workers fearful over losing their jobs

Coverage from March 9th:

■ Survey finds 94% of UAE residents have financial worries

■ Rent is UAE residents' biggest expense, survey finds

■ Survey finds many UAE residents failing to save for retirement