UAE HR leaders chart the future of work
HR leaders and workplace strategists called for a shift in how organisations approach people management, with benefits, culture, retention and technology becoming increasingly important to business performance. Speaking at InsuranceMarket.ae ’s Work Reimagined UAE: The Next Era of HR, Culture & Employee Experience , industry experts said HR must move beyond administrative support to play a more…
UAE HR leaders are advocating for a transformation in the way organisations manage their workforce. Speaking at InsuranceMarket.ae’s Work Reimagined UAE event, experts emphasized that HR should step beyond mere administrative support and adopt a more strategic role in driving productivity, enhancing employee experience, and planning the workforce. Shalni Babur, Chief People Officer at Alfred Holdings, highlighted that HR’s role has evolved from being an administrative function to becoming an architect of the organisation.
Babur stressed that employee benefits are a key area where this shift is evident, as a one-size-fits-all approach no longer meets the diverse needs of the workforce. Employees now seek customized and tailored experiences, with employers needing to understand individual preferences and future aspirations. Personalization is crucial in 2026, ensuring relevance for employees, Babur added.
This personalization hinges on genuinely listening to employees and not merely collecting data; the feedback must be acted upon to make them feel heard and valued.
Medical insurance remains a significant component of employee benefits in the UAE. However, Rachit Jhamb, Director of Insurancemarket.ae’s B2B Division, advised that employers should look beyond the annual premium. While benefits often receive attention only once a year during renewal, the UAE job market has evolved, making it challenging to attract and retain talent.
Jhamb suggested that the true value of medical insurance should be assessed not just on cost but also its impact on retention, productivity, and risk. He cautioned against cutting benefits solely to reduce premiums, advocating for a more holistic approach that considers claims patterns and employee needs.
Building trust is vital for a positive workplace culture, especially in diverse organisations. Balaji Nagabhushan, Group Chief Administrative Officer at Tristar, emphasized that trust is cultivated through consistent employee experience and care, requiring patience and time. Retention is fundamentally about understanding employee satisfaction and their long-term future with the organization, with career growth being a critical factor.
High turnover costs, ranging from 50 to 200 percent of an employee’s cost, underscore the importance of retaining experienced staff. Internal mobility, facilitated by AI, can help surface suitable internal roles based on an employee’s experience and skills, thereby retaining talent and preserving institutional knowledge.
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