Sajjad Ahmad, Deputy Business Editor

Dubai: 98% of UAE companies are exploring hybrid work methods based on information and communications technology, to keep pace with digital transformation, while 70% of the future workforce in the country prefer work systems that take into account the changes of the times in terms of speed and increased mobility, according to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Mena.

The SHRM Mena annual exhibition opened in Dubai on Wednesday with the participation of more than 1,600 human resources and technology leaders. Over 150 CEOs from 50 nationalities and more than 50 speakers are attending the two-day event.

Johnny C.Taylor Jr., President and CEO of SHRM, said that the UAE is characterised by being a modern country where workers are characterised by digital skills, so the labor market is witnessing great development due to the integration of modern technologies, especially artificial intelligence, into various work systems to increase productivity.

Taylor added that 20% of job seekers in the region are looking for remote work because it represents flexibility and ease of movement and working from anywhere without being restricted by a specific time or place, which increases their productivity.

SHRM Mena showcased the latest regulations and laws, provided innovative methods, and empower individuals and organizations to harness automation and dynamic frameworks to reshape traditional business models, with the Participants in the conference reviewed new expertise, innovative experiences, and research papers that emphasized the importance of establishing partnerships with think tanks in the human resources sector and learning from challenges to create new work environments that keep pace with the future.

Participants in the conference stressed that the disturbances in the workplace that were accelerated by the “Covid-19” epidemic, the rise of the role of technologies and artificial intelligence, and the adoption of remote or hybrid work models have become concerns about the health and performance of employees, so ways must be sought to empower workers and organizations to mitigate these disturbances. Or eliminate it.

The President and CEO of SHARM stressed that “the changing work landscape requires attention and addressing the disruptions that affect the workplace as the UAE seeks to strengthen its workforce and address the complexities of the future of work, which requires a harmonious effort involving companies, governments, and educational institutions.”

The conference witnessed the participation of Dr Issa Al Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai, who discussed with the attendees ways to prepare talent to achieve professional development goals and benefit from technology to ensure sustainability and work-life balance.

For his part, Major General Dr Saleh Abdullah Murad, Director of the General Department of Human Resources, Dr. Butti Al Marar, Director of Human Resources, and Hind Ahmed Nasser, a data analyst from Dubai Police, reviewed the ideal environment in the workplace in which employees feel appreciated, supported, and encouraged, which enhances a positive and comprehensive environment for personal and organizational growth. Dubai Police also shared its experiences to develop plans related to talent and improve human resources data to develop a work environment that supports clear communication and cultivates a sense of responsibility and faith among all team members.