The Rising Trend of Career Changes in the GCC: What It Means for Employees and Employers

Jana Saab – Content Writer

Career changes are becoming a significant trend across the GCC region, with professionals increasingly seeking roles that align with their financial goals, values, and lifestyle aspirations. This shift presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses aiming to attract and retain top talent.

In this blog, we will delve into the rising trend of career changes in the GCC region.

Career Change Statistics: A Global and Regional Perspective

Average Career Changes: Globally, individuals change careers 3 to 5 times during their working lives, with younger professionals switching jobs more frequently. In the GCC, younger populations and high economic mobility contribute to similar patterns.

Age of Career Change: The average age for a career change globally is 39 years, a trend mirrored in the GCC, where mid-career professionals often seek growth opportunities in industries like technology, healthcare, and renewable energy.

Reasons for Career Changes:

- Salary Increases: Nearly 39% of professionals cite better pay as their primary reason for switching careers, a trend that resonates in high-cost urban centers like Dubai and Riyadh.

- Better Leadership and Work Culture: Leadership challenges and workplace dissatisfaction are significant motivators for career transitions.

- Job Flexibility: Professionals in the GCC value flexible working conditions, particularly in light of regional efforts to promote work-life balance.

Educational Realignment: Across the globe, including the GCC, only 21% of professionals fully utilize their formal education in their current roles, prompting many to seek new qualifications to pivot into growing industries.

Growing Industries in the GCC:

- Healthcare and life sciences

- Technology and digital transformation

- Renewable energy and sustainability sectors

Employer Opportunities: Retaining Talent in a Changing Landscape

Employers can leverage these best practices, inspired by GPTW certified top-performing organizations, to stay competitive:

Invest in Leadership: Robust training for leaders fosters a culture of trust and recognition.

Enhance Flexibility: Offering hybrid or remote work options supports employee needs.

Encourage Lifelong Learning: Subsidizing upskilling and professional development help employees transition within the organization rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere.

A Region of Opportunity

With the GCC undergoing significant economic transformation, professionals are increasingly motivated to align their careers with future-ready industries. For employers, understanding these motivations and supporting career development can lead to stronger retention rates and a more engaged workforce.

For more insights on creating a great workplace in the GCC, visit Great Place To Work®. Data sources include research on global and regional career trends among certified organizations.