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Middle East Edition
7th March 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
Many Israelis unprepared for employment crisis
The labour market in Israel faces significant challenges, according to Be'Atzmi's Employment Resilience Index. The study indicates that 70% of Israelis feel unprepared for an employment crisis, with 74% of young people under 34 constantly seeking new jobs even when employed, reflecting a "lack of security and sense of dissatisfaction." The overall resilience score stands at a low 5.7 out of 10, with 59% of respondents fearing they won't find work at their current level. Liat Brosh, chief executive of Be'Atzmi, said: "The last decade has been characterised by profound changes that have dramatically affected the labour market in Israel and around the world . . . Global trends, such as globalisation and accelerated digitisation, are changing the rules of the game and requiring both employees and employers to adapt quickly. Technological developments such as artificial intelligence and changes in employment models are changing many professions and leading to a constant demand for learning new skills." The report highlights the need for both public and private sectors to support employees in adapting to these changes.
LEGAL
Workers are going public about bad bosses
Research shows a growing willingness among staff to call out what they regard as unfair treatment, with employees frustrated with complaints processes joining forces and taking grievances to social media.
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
Verition launches Dubai internship programme
Verition Fund Management LLC has announced the launch of its inaugural internship programme in Dubai, in collaboration with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The initiative aims to address findings from DIFC's Future of Finance report, which highlights the need to attract and retain talent in the finance sector. The 16-week programme will provide university students, including UAE Nationals, with hands-on experience across various investment-focused groups. Participants will also gain insights into non-investment functions, benefiting from mentorship by experienced professionals. Applications will open soon, inviting students studying finance, economics, or related fields to apply.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Ramadhan sports fun promoted in Oman
The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) in Oman has initiated the Ramadhan Sports Tournament aimed at enhancing relationships among employees through various sports activities. The tournament includes football for men and other engaging activities like volleyball and e-sports, in collaboration with The Omani Committee for Games and Electronic Sports. This initiative promotes physical fitness and encourages employees to lead a healthy lifestyle while fostering social connections. The tournament aligns with OPAZ's commitment to supporting cancer patients and reinforcing teamwork. The event will run throughout Ramadhan, culminating in an awards ceremony to celebrate the winning teams and highlight the importance of sports and positive values among employees.
WORKPLACE
Bad meetings can lead to 'productivity hangovers'
New research from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte suggests that over 90% of employees experience "meeting hangovers" - lingering frustrations and distractions that follow unproductive meetings. Steven Rogelberg, a management professor and author of "The Surprising Science of Meetings," explains: "A meeting hangover is the idea that when we have a bad meeting, we just don't leave it at the door." These negative experiences can spread across teams and lead to decreased productivity. Factors contributing to bad meetings include unclear agendas and poor facilitation. To improve meetings, Rogelberg suggests keeping attendee lists small and framing agendas as questions to be answered. Engaging in problem-focused conversations can also help mitigate the effects of a bad meeting.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
Special Report : Women in Business
A series of Women in Business-themed reports in the FT consider issues including how women and men share home and work duties, and why having a baby remains a career obstacle.
INTERNATIONAL
Starbucks CEO urges staff to step up performance
In his first address to employees since announcing widespread job cuts last month, Starbucks chief executive Brian Niccol has urged them to take greater responsibility for improving the company's performance. “We’re not effective on how things get to the store, and we’re not effective in making decisions and then holding each other accountable to those decisions,” Mr. Niccol said in an internal forum at the chain’s Seattle headquarters. “This is why we had to make the changes that we had to make.” Getting more employees working in Starbucks’s U.S. and Canada offices will help improve functions, he added. About 40% of the company’s North American corporate employees work remotely, according to the company. “We gotta untangle a few things right now,” he said. “But you know what? It’s all things that we can untangle.”
AI revolution leaves Australian workers anxious
Most Australians are feeling overwhelmed by the rapid changes brought about by artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace, according to LinkedIn chief operating officer Dan Shapero. At the Talent Connect event in Sydney, he revealed that over 80% of business leaders plan to implement AI tools this year, while 70% of professionals feel the pace of change is accelerating. Shapero noted: "What's interesting is the pace of change is being accompanied by a general feeling of overwhelm by most professionals." He highlighted that approximately 66% of skills in the Australian job market are expected to evolve by 2030, urging workers to adapt or risk losing out on emerging roles.
Brits increasingly think women's equality now discriminates against men
According to a survey conducted by Ipsos UK and the Global Institute for Women's Leadership at King's College London, 42% of adults in Great Britain believe that efforts to promote women's equality have gone too far, leading to discrimination against men. The survey, which included responses from 30 countries, found that 51% of men and 33% of women in Great Britain shared this sentiment. Kelly Beaver, Ipsos chief executive, noted that the “battle of the sexes” is particularly pronounced among Gen Z, with 57% of young men feeling that gender equality discriminates against them.
 


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