I Heard It’s a Bad Place to Work” - Why You Should Do Your Own Research

Imagine this scenario:

A recruiter reaches out to a candidate with an exciting opportunity.

Recruiter: “Hey, I’ve got a fantastic opportunity for you.”

Candidate: “Thanks for the message, I'm interested! Who’s it for?”

Recruiter: “The role is for X company, as a Senior Designer.”

Candidate: “Ok, I am not interested in that company. Thanks.”

Recruiter: “Can you tell me why?”

Candidate: “I've heard from a reliable source, my cousin's wife’s friend, who used to work there, that the company culture is toxic, and they push employees to the limit. She's already left, and I wouldn't want to join an environment like that.”

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Let’s break this down.

Firstly, it’s important to recognize that the Middle East market is relatively small, where everyone seems to know everyone. While globally it’s said that there are seven degrees of connection, in the Middle East, it often feels like just one or two. In such a tight-knit market, news spreads quickly, and unfortunately, it’s usually the negative news that travels the fastest and furthest.

We’re all familiar with the concept of Chinese whispers, where communication gets misinterpreted or is factually incorrect as it spreads. The same happens in the job market. While not every company will be the right fit for everyone, it’s crucial for candidates to conduct their own due diligence.

If seeking feedback about a company, make sure it comes from someone well-known and trusted. It’s important to remember that some individuals may be disgruntled with their job or former employer, which can color their opinion. On the other hand, many employees are genuinely happy in their roles. Gathering a balanced perspective is key.

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The Middle East Job Market: Facts and Figures

The job market in the Middle East has seen significant shifts in recent years. Here are a few key statistics to keep in mind:

• Job Market Size: The UAE alone has a workforce of over 7.2 million people, with a significant portion of expatriates, making up around 85% of the workforce. The GCC region, which includes Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and the UAE, is home to a rapidly growing job market, with sectors like construction, healthcare, technology, and finance driving demand.
• Average Tenure: According to LinkedIn’s Global Talent Trends report, the average tenure in the Middle East is approximately 2.5 years. This is shorter compared to global averages, reflecting the region’s dynamic job market where opportunities frequently arise.
• Employee Turnover: Employee turnover in the region is relatively high, with a 20-25% annual turnover rate reported across various industries. This is often due to the competitive nature of the job market, where candidates are constantly on the lookout for better opportunities, higher salaries, and improved work-life balance.
• Work-Life Balance: A recent study by Bayt.com highlighted that 64% of employees in the Middle East consider work-life balance a critical factor when choosing a job. This growing demand for flexibility is reshaping how companies in the region approach employee satisfaction and retention.
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Why You Should Take the Time to Evaluate Opportunities

Before making up your mind about a potential employer, it’s always advisable to have the conversation. Meet with the employer, ask the right questions, and check out the office environment. See things for yourself before passing judgment. By taking this approach, candidates can form a more objective opinion.

Headhunters play a pivotal role in this process, but their job isn’t to force or persuade candidates to move. If someone is content in their current role, it’s often best to stay. Headhunters are there to open doors and showcase what’s available, providing candidates with options. Before making any decisions, it’s important to reflect deeply on whether a move is truly necessary. One thing to avoid is moving too quickly from one position to another, as it may not always yield the desired outcome.

In Summary

While the Middle East market can be small and rumors may spread quickly, it's essential to do your own research and form your own opinions based on firsthand experience. Given the dynamic nature of the job market and the high turnover rates, taking the time to evaluate each opportunity thoroughly will serve candidates well. This approach will help in navigating careers and making informed decisions about potential opportunities.

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