Impact of 'generational gaslighting' on UAE workplaces under scrutiny

Spicing Up the Workforce: Navigating Generational Gaps in UAE Companies 📝 By Dhanusha Gokulan

Hey there! Whether you're a tech-savvy Gen Z whiz or an experienced Baby Boomer, working in the UAE's bustling corporate landscape, you've likely seen a thing or two when it comes to intergenerational dynamics. You might've rolled your eyes at an outdated practice or raised an eyebrow at a fresh-faced Gen Zer's creative idea. These knee-jerk reactions can hint at the diverse ways generations approach workplace evolution.

It's no secret that dismissive attitudes or wide-eyed incredulity can fuel feelings of disconnection. Korn Ferry, a renowned management consultancy firm, refers to this as "generational gaslighting" – discounting one generation's experiences, values, and challenges, and this issue is more relevant than ever, given the UAE's mixed multigenerational workforce.

By 2033, the UAE market will see a boom in the number of senior employees and Generation Alpha members. The former will be working beyond the traditional retirement age, while the latter will fill up the junior roles. According to Korn Ferry's Workforce 2025 report, this trend will contribute to a workforce more diverse than ever. Still, it's causing some dissatisfaction among younger employees feeling left out, overlooked, or disregarded.

Take, for example, the survey results from Korn Ferry, which polled over 15,000 professionals from various global markets, over 60% of Gen Zs in UAE feel they aren't taken into account for training and promotional opportunities, often because of their age. This is concerning, as 68% of Gen Z need better communication and teamwork skills, yet only 42% of Gen Xers see a problem. This stark disparity indicates a sizeable perception gap – is it ignorance or negligence rearing its head? Nearly 38% of Gen Zs feel a technology skills gap among their older colleagues. Meanwhile, 61% of Gen Xers and Baby Boomers believe technology training is vital for bridging the skills gap.

"This hints at a growing sense of being undervalued in the workplace," the report says. Measuring employee perception is essential for understanding how teams feel about their work, leadership, and growth prospects.

Tuning In and Turning It Around

To combat these issues, Korn Ferry recommends incorporating listening tools – like pulse surveys, feedback platforms, and one-on-one check-ins – into organisational structures. These tools can collect real-time insights and help employees feel heard, fostering a more empowered and engaged workforce.

Tailoring training and rewards to suit different generations is another effective strategy to bridge the gap.

According to Vijay Gandhi, Regional Director at Korn Ferry Digital, employees in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are increasingly evaluating leadership quality, growth opportunities, and company values. Beyond financial gain, employees seek purpose, stability, and aligned values.

Adapting to the future of work in the UAE includes embracing digitalization, automation, fostering work-life balance, and adopting best practices in the government sector. These trends are designed to cultivate a more nationalized, flexible, and future-ready workforce. The UAE government is actively shaping the landscape, with recent changes in labour laws making way for flexible work models, including remote working, part-time, and temporary roles, promoting a more inclusive and dynamic employment market.

🔍 Extra Insights: To uplevel your game in the UAE's multigenerational workscape, Korn Ferry suggests embracing these strategies:

Tailored Training and Rewards: Aligning training and rewards to suit the diverse needs of employees across generations helps bridge the experience and knowledge divide.
Building Trust and Promoting Diversity: Encouraging open communication, fostering diverse perspectives, and creating opportunities for collaboration can build trust amongst leaders and create more productive and inclusive teams.
Adaptability and Agility: Aligning talent strategies with business goals and fostering a culture of adaptability helps employees navigate changing market dynamics and achieve success in the longer term.
Implementing Engagement Strategies: Focusing on employee engagement, growth, purpose, and long-term stability beyond financial incentives has been found to be vital in creating a more motivated, productive workforce.

By incorporating these strategies, you can help bridge generational gaps and create a more inclusive and productive workplace in the UAE. Keep cultivating connections, and soon those generational differences will become your team's superpower. 💪🌐🚀

Despite being tech-savvy, Gen Zers in UAE often feel overlooked for training and promotional opportunities, leading to dissatisfaction in the workforce.
Communication and teamwork skills are crucial for Gen Z, yet 68% of Gen Xers do not see a problem in this regard.
To combat these issues, organizations can incorporate listening tools like pulse surveys, feedback platforms, and one-on-one check-ins to collect real-time insights and make employees feel heard.
Adopting strategies like tailoring training and rewards to suit different generations can help bridge the gap between generations.
Employees in UAE are increasingly evaluating leadership quality, growth opportunities, and company values beyond just financial gain.
Digitalization, automation, fostering work-life balance, and adopting best practices in the government sector can help create a more nationalized, flexible, and future-ready workforce in the UAE.
The UAE government is actively shaping the employment market, with recent changes in labor laws like promoting remote working, part-time, and temporary roles, to promote inclusivity and dynamism.
Culture, education, health, and work-wellness are critical elements in the UAE's mixed multigenerational workforce, as Korn Ferry recommends addressing diversity, inclusion, and mental health in the workplace.
According to Vijay Gandhi, Regional Director at Korn Ferry Digital, embracing these strategies can help bridge generational gaps and create a more inclusive, engaged, and productive workplace.
Navigating the generational gaps in UAE companies involves fostering adaptability, building trust, promoting diversity, and implementing engagement strategies that go beyond financial incentives, focusing on employee growth, purpose, and long-term stability.