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90% of professionals in the UAE express concern over rapid workplace changes

Professionals are struggling to keep pace with AI integration, inter-generational team management, and return-to-office transitions

90% of professionals in the UAE express concern over rapid workplace changes
[Source photo: Krishna Prasad/ Fast Company Middle East ]

According to new research from LinkedIn, professionals in the UAE are increasingly feeling overwhelmed by the rapid pace of changes in their workplaces. 89% are seeking more guidance on how to adapt, and 55% are concerned about being left behind.

The research highlights the most pressing challenges currently faced by UAE professionals, including integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into daily tasks (35%), managing multi-generational teams (34%), and effectively transitioning back to the office (33%).

This comes at a time when LinkedIn data indicates a 123% increase in posts mentioning flexible work globally over the past two years—a trend that remains significant as companies refine their return-to-office strategies. Additionally, LinkedIn Learning has seen a surge in demand, with courses aimed at building AI skills among non-technical professionals rising by 117% over the past year.

While 53% of UAE professionals recognize that work experience alone isn’t sufficient to keep pace with changes, 40% believe continuous learning is essential for staying ahead. However, only 35% feel they can rely on their managers for guidance during these transitions, and 58% believe their companies are struggling to adapt to the evolving work environment.

“The pace of change at work in the last few years could be seen as relentless—from flexible arrangements to AI integration. It’s, therefore, hardly surprising that the majority of professionals feel overwhelmed and worried about being left behind. It will be important for workers to stay informed, upskill, and continuously learn, as taking these small but important steps will help them build the confidence needed to thrive in this evolving environment,” Najat Abdalhadi, MENA LinkedIn Career Expert, said.

Abdalhadi advises professionals to take proactive steps in their career development, emphasizing the importance of staying informed and embracing a growth mindset.

In an era where experience alone is inadequate, individuals in the region are increasingly aware of the necessity to adapt and engage in continuous learning to keep pace with the evolving work landscape.

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