Companies across the Gulf are moving towards a hybrid business model made up of full-time employees and freelance talent, a survey suggests.
Most large companies already use specialist contract employees for specific work.
But HR managers are now moving towards a more strategic, long-term use of freelancers, known as a "blended workforce".
In part, this is due to the onset of Covid-19, said Abbas Ali, senior vice president of Tasc Outsourcing, the staffing agency that conducted the research.
A blended workforce model simply adds that extra spice by attracting the right talent for projects
Tasc Outsourcing polled more than 180 senior professionals at businesses across the region to put together a picture of emerging workplace trends.
“A wide range of businesses are discovering they can still increase their top line by using a mix of short-term contractors or employees,” said Mr Ali.
“It is this awareness among GCC organisations that you can grow your business according to project needs, that has them inclined towards the blended workforce model.
“Take any of the big conglomerates in the region across the industries and we can see how they have a mix of full-time employees, and contract employees and freelancers."
The shift towards working from home changed management attitudes, and as a consequence companies are transforming their digital set-up.
This in turn is "helping organisations create a diverse pool of talent, of which a good portion is now remote", Mr Ali said.
Benefits of a blended workforce
There are many benefits to hiring part-time employees, according to the HR professionals and managers questioned for the survey.
Nearly two thirds said that increasing or reducing the workforce quickly was a benefit, while 62 per cent said contract employees gave them access to a highly skilled talent pool with niche experience.
More than half said it lowered overhead costs and facilitated a flexible and agile workforce.
A third said it increased productivity.
At present, recruiters say that most companies in the UAE tend to only reach out to contract employees when they have an urgent need.
"A lot of our service industry clients will use manpower supply companies for short to medium term appointments," said Gary Segesdy, director of Big Fish Recruitment.
"This can be in volume for blue-collar personnel where they require a quick turnaround around for a contract win or mobilisation.
“Or they may take on a more senior commercial or technical individual with a specific skill set for a fixed-term contract to bridge a gap on a specific project or assignment.”
This is changing, however, as the tie between a job and a visa for foreign workers weakens across the GCC.
In the past, it was not permitted by law for professionals to work for several different employers, or for organisations to hire contractors for a short period without visa expense.
Now, growing numbers of regional governments are creating initiatives, usually through free zones, to allow people to operate as contract employees.
This is a particular trend in the Emirates, Mr Ali said.
“The UAE government has made it easy for freelancers and remote-working employees to contribute to the growth of businesses in the region," he said.
“We now live in a borderless world, and quick inter-country or intra-country deployment of talent tremendously helps the growth of businesses.
“All these measures show the government’s intent to facilitate the adoption of a blended workforce, and it’s only going to increase as UAE continues to digitally transform itself.”
Downsides of a blended workforce
While freelance employees might be the answer for conglomerates and SME's in the UAE, the lack of permanence when it comes to contract work means it only offers a short-term solution, Mr Segesdy said.
“For the majority of people that we speak to, what they really want is a permanent role with a stable company, offering them a long-term job security for the future,” he said.
The Tasc Outsourcing report also illustrates that employers can experience difficulties when managing a blended workforce.
Nearly half (49 per cent) of those surveyed mentioned concerns over a lack of accountability and 42 per cent said they struggled with contract employees not adhering to brand values and culture.
Just under a third (30 per cent) spoke of a lack of trust between contract and full-time employees.
Despite these potential hurdles, Mr Ali is convinced the workforces of the future will be a mix of personnel.
"A blended workforce model simply adds that extra spice by attracting the right talent for projects," he said.
When 'blended' means a mix of working from home and office days
Meanwhile, home working could be here to stay, according to experts, who predict that people will work only some of the time from the office once the Covid-19 pandemic is over.
Many people in the UAE got their first taste of remote working a year ago because of the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Some have since returned to the office, but employees said they wanted to continue working from home, at least some of the time.
A report conducted by Boston Consulting Group and Bayt.com found 86 per cent of people in the UAE would like to continue working from home for all, or at least part, of the time, compared with to 89 per cent globally.
And almost a third in the UAE, 31 per cent, said they wanted to work at home on a full-time basis, compared to 24 per cent globally.
Under half, 43 per cent, of respondents are still working from home at least part time, compared to 51 per cent worldwide.
You have seen a lot of companies which have downsized, so a lot of companies have almost halved their office space
“The fact that the vast majority of respondents have indicated their wishes for remote working to remain to some degree illustrates their high satisfaction with the newfound flexibility and efficiency,” said Christopher Daniel, managing director and partner at BCG Middle East.
Recruiters said companies are also open to the idea of a blended arrangement, when people spend some time in the office and some time at home.
“You have seen a lot of companies which have downsized, so a lot of companies have almost halved their office space,” said David Mackenzie, founder of Mackenzie Jones Middle East.
“And they have encouraged people to work from home. If you look at some of our banks in DIFC they are only on 30 per cent rotation.”
However, he said some people are “desperate for human contact” and water-cooler conversations with their colleagues again.
"The sharing of information just over a coffee, for example," Mr Mackenzie said.
“So I think what the future is going forward this year is going to be blended working, so it will be two or three days a week working from home, then two days from work.
“But in sales or roles that are collaborative, they will probably want to come into the office more because that’s how they get their work fix in many ways.”
In pictures: Expo 2020 jobs on offer
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Ipaf in numbers
Established: 2008
Prize money: $50,000 (Dh183,650) for winners and $10,000 for those on the shortlist.
Winning novels: 13
Shortlisted novels: 66
Longlisted novels: 111
Total number of novels submitted: 1,780
Novels translated internationally: 66
10 tips for entry-level job seekers
- Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
- Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
- Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
- Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
- Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
- Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
- Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
- Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
- Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.
Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
BIGGEST CYBER SECURITY INCIDENTS IN RECENT TIMES
SolarWinds supply chain attack: Came to light in December 2020 but had taken root for several months, compromising major tech companies, governments and its entities
Microsoft Exchange server exploitation: March 2021; attackers used a vulnerability to steal emails
Kaseya attack: July 2021; ransomware hit perpetrated REvil, resulting in severe downtime for more than 1,000 companies
Log4j breach: December 2021; attackers exploited the Java-written code to inflitrate businesses and governments
In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
The%20specs
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The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 620hp from 5,750-7,500rpm
Torque: 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh1.05 million ($286,000)
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
A cryptocurrency primer for beginners
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Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
RACECARD%20
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
ASIAN%20RUGBY%20CHAMPIONSHIP%202024
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Company%20Profile
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The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
Company Profile:
Name: The Protein Bakeshop
Date of start: 2013
Founders: Rashi Chowdhary and Saad Umerani
Based: Dubai
Size, number of employees: 12
Funding/investors: $400,000 (2018)