• Over half (55%) of UAE business leaders see the impact of increased reliance on technology is very positive for their employees
  • Technological understanding is the top skill thought by business leaders to lead departments into the digital future (63%)

Dubai UAE, 20 August 2019 – Building a digital-ready business is currently at the forefront of business leaders minds according to independent research1 by Robert Half UAE. Over half (55%) of UAE business leaders think the impact of increased reliance on technology is ‘very positive’ for their employees. 

The benefits of implementing new technologies include an increase in efficiencies within the team (45%) and greater employee productivity (43%) improving overall team functionality. 
In fact, increased reliance on technology is helping staff to expand their skills (46%), freeing up time to focus on higher-value or more strategic work (40%) and improving the collaboration between departments and colleagues (42%). Improvement in the communication between team members is a great benefit since technology provides a better way to share information (35%) and reduce mistakes (32%) in the workplace. 

However, relying on the implementation of new technology to come into place may put a strain on the skills of current employees. Employees that possess proficient technical skills may adapt well to the addition of new technology in the workplace, but research shows that insufficient training supplied by business leaders can act as a barrier to technological adaption (36%) and may even increase employee resistance to change.

Fortunately, research shows that business leaders are ensuring that their team possesses the essential skills to take advantage of new technologies, such as the training of current staff (46%) and hiring new permanent staff with the necessary skills needed for technological implementation (42%) in order to make sure their team is prepared. 

Going forward technological understanding is considered as the top skill that over three in five (63%) of business leaders think will lead their department into the digital future.

Gareth El Mettouri, UAE Associate Director at Robert Half commented: “As digitisation of the workplace continues to grow, the impact of technology on businesses and employees is starting to take effect. Employers looking to implement new and current technology into their business processes will need to consider how to adapt and the long-term effects of this on their workforce.”

“Companies that are prepared for the effect of rising technologies within a business environment place themselves in a better position to adapt and move forward with their future goals. By creating a culture that embraces digitisation business leaders are making an appealing working environment to current employees and to new hires.”

-ENDS-

Notes to editors

1The annual study was developed by Robert Half UAE and is conducted by an independent research firm. The study is based on more than 200 interviews with hiring managers from companies across the UAE, with the results segmented by size, sector and geographic location.

About Robert Half

Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialised recruitment consultancy and member of the S&P 500. Founded in 1948, the company has over 300 offices worldwide providing recruitment solutions for accounting and finance, financial services, technology, legal, human resources and business support professionals. For more than 20 years, Robert Half has been named to FORTUNE® magazine’s list of “Most Admired Companies” and offers workplace and job seeker resources at roberthalf.ae.