• Employees spend an estimated 5.2 hours a week bored at work
  • Managers are failing to inspire employees with interesting work, variety or new challenges

11 Oct 2017, Dubai – On average, managers recognise that their employees are spending nearly 13% of their week bored at work, according to research from leading recruitment specialist, Robert Half UAE. For an average full-time employee working an 8 hour day, this is equivalent to 5.2 hours a week.

Managers in the UAE highlighted the reasons that employees are most likely to be bored during the course of the week. Nearly half (47%) of managers confessed that work was not interesting enough, that staff don’t feel challenged (36%) and that there is are too many meeting that are poorly executed (34%). Other reasons cited include:

  • Lack of diversity within the role – 30%

  • They don’t enjoy interacting with their colleagues – 25%

  • There isn’t enough work to do – 25%

  • Bad/inefficient management – 16%

  • They are overburdened by strict policies and procedures – 14%

  • Don’t’ understand the significance of their contribution to profitability – 7%

‘To ensure employees perform to the best of their ability and remain interested in their jobs, employers need to introduce greater variety by giving workers the opportunity to develop new skills or take on additional responsibilities,’ commented Gareth El Mettouri, Associate Director, Robert Half UAE. ‘It’s important to remember that employees who are more interested in their jobs are likely to make a greater contribution to the organisation and contribute to its long-term success.’

El Mettouri adds: ‘For professionals who may feel unfulfilled at work, they should take the opportunity to address with their manager. Without raising your hand, you might be limiting your career progression. As one spends approximately a third of their life at work, they should aim to find a purposeful role where they can add value and find fulfillment.’

– ENDS –

Notes to editors

The 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 325 offices worldwide providing permanent recruitment solutions for accounting and finance, financial services, technology, legal, HR and administrative professionals. For more than 15 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.