According to Korn Ferry's latest survey, 3 out of 5 employees in the Middle East prefer a hybrid work model. This reflects a growing demand for flexibility in the workplace. Employees seek a balance between remote and in-office work to enhance both productivity and work-life balance.
Organizations that embrace hybrid work are finding it easier to attract and retain top talent. Employees value the improved work-life balance, flexibility, and reduced commuting time that hybrid models offer. In turn, employers benefit from higher job satisfaction, increased productivity, and lower turnover rates, ultimately reducing recruitment and training costs.
Despite its advantages, hybrid work presents challenges, particularly in communication, company culture, and collaboration. Leaders must rethink how they connect with employees, ensuring that remote and in-office teams remain engaged and aligned.
Danny Leinders, Head of Executive Search Middle East and Africa at Korn Ferry, underscores the significance of hybrid work: "If you don’t offer flexibility, talented employees may not come to you."
Hybrid work is not just a response to employee preferences—it is a strategic necessity. Businesses in the Middle East that successfully integrate hybrid models will gain a competitive edge in talent acquisition and retention, setting themselves apart as employers of choice in an increasingly dynamic market.
How Leaders Can Identify Hybrid-Eligible Roles
To determine which roles are suited for hybrid work, leaders should:
- Categorize roles by current work location (office, remote, hybrid, deskless)
- Break down roles into tasks to assess onsite versus remote feasibility
- Analyze work patterns to understand how often roles are onsite and why
- Evaluate collaboration and communication needs
- Assess dependencies and decision-making autonomy
- Engage team leaders for role-specific insights
- Consider employee experience and performance outcomes
Taking a structured, task-based approach enables more intentional hybrid work strategies that balance business needs with employee expectations.