Work perks: What employees in Saudi really want in 2025

Gulf Business

3 days ago

Image credit: Getty Images
As Saudi Arabia's workforce evolves, the definition of what keeps talent engaged and loyal is undergoing a major shift. While competitive salaries still matter, they are no longer the sole determinant of retention. Today's professionals are placing increasing value on benefits that support a more holistic, human-centered employee experience.
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According to Vijay Gandhi, Regional Director at
Flexible work arrangements
that allow employees to manage personal responsibilities and maintain work–life balance
Career development and upskilling
opportunities that help individuals stay competitive and fulfilled in a rapidly evolving job market
Wellness and mental health support
that demonstrates employer commitment to psychological well-being
Performance-based incentives
that directly reward individual contributions
Together, these offerings are reshaping the employee value proposition in Saudi Arabia, where purpose, development, and support now hold as much weight as compensation.
Leadership evolution: Empathy and agility take center stage
Leadership styles across Saudi Arabia are evolving in tandem with workforce expectations. Today's employees are increasingly looking to leaders who demonstrate empathy, foster inclusion, and embrace transformation.
'Organisations today are navigating unprecedented disruption, from digital transformation and AI adoption to shifting workforce dynamics and economic volatility,' said Mohamed Saleh, Principal Consultant at Korn Ferry. 'As a result, leaders now spend the majority of their time, up to 70 per cent, focused on transformation rather than maintaining the status quo.'
To thrive in this changing landscape, Saudi employers are investing in leadership approaches that are:
Agile and inclusive
, welcoming diverse voices across generations
Purpose-driven
, offering clarity and motivation around broader goals
Empowering
, creating environments where people feel valued and motivated
Leaders who succeed in this new paradigm are not just strategic thinkers but emotional anchors, those who foster trust and genuine engagement by combining capability with character.
Why job security feels stronger in Saudi Arabia
Unlike many regional markets, job security is not a widespread concern for most professionals in Saudi Arabia. This confidence stems from a mix of government policy, economic stability, and cultural norms.
Government-backed initiatives and a traditionally stable public sector have long reinforced a sense of security in employment. Simultaneously, Vision 2030's strategic push toward private sector diversification has opened new pathways for meaningful careers, boosting long-term optimism among job seekers.
'Nationalisation policies like Saudisation have played a key role in broadening access to quality roles for Saudi nationals,' Gandhi explained. 'This, in turn, has reduced fear of job displacement and allowed employees to focus on growth and purpose, rather than survival.'
Compensation isn't enough: The employees want meaning
Though a competitive paycheck remains a cornerstone of talent attraction, it's no longer enough to ensure retention. Research from Korn Ferry shows that emotional connection, purpose, and respect now play equal, if not greater, roles in driving long-term employee loyalty.
To balance monetary and emotional incentives, Saudi employers are shifting toward a more holistic talent strategy. Key elements include:
Embedding purpose
in every role by aligning work with national goals such as Vision 2030
Consistent recognition
that validates employee efforts in meaningful ways
Inclusive leadership
that ensures every employee feels respected and heard
Sustainable investment in development and well-being
to foster long-term engagement
This shift signals a broader transformation in workplace culture, where transactional relationships are being replaced by emotional commitment, loyalty, and shared purpose.