Employees in the UAE are facing increasing struggles to maintain a work-life balance amid rising work hours and post-pandemic stress. A recent survey published by the research agency Perspectives revealed that workers in the Emirates are clocking in an average of 7 additional hours each week, which equates to approximately 3.5 days of unpaid extra work every month. The study underlines a troubling trend: around 76% of employees feel that their work-life balance has deteriorated since the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the survey, conducted by Perspectives on March 19, 2025, nearly 60% of employees in the UAE find it challenging to switch off from work. Alarmingly, 90% of respondents reported they frequently respond to work-related emails and calls outside of normal working hours, contributing to a growing sense of stress.
John Hursley, a senior research consultant at Perspectives, stated, “Employees in the Middle East work harder than ever before, yet our research shows they are beginning to question whether it’s all worth it.” Hursley’s comments reveal a deep concern for the mental well-being of workers as they try to balance their professional responsibilities with personal lives.
About half of the employees surveyed indicated their willingness to sacrifice job stability if it meant achieving a better work-life balance. Additionally, the research highlighted that approximately 50% would accept a reduction in salary for working shorter hours. Younger employees are particularly inclined towards a work schedule that would include just four days a week, with 66% expressing a preference for this arrangement.
The study also sheds light on the affordability of the UAE as a destination for professionals, largely due to tax-free income, safety, high-quality education, and an overall favorable quality of life. These factors have led to an influx of foreign workers, escalating competition within the job market and intensifying the pressure on current employees.
Despite 80% of respondents having the option to work from home one or two days a week, 60% felt this flexibility has made it even harder to disconnect from work. It appears the advantages of remote work may be overshadowed by challenges in establishing boundaries between personal and professional lives.
For many, these demands translate into mental exhaustion and a decline in job satisfaction. The study found that only 26% of the professionals feel they maintain a good work-life balance, and over half (55%) acknowledged working outside standard hours as a common expectation.
As a consequence, only 34% of employees reported loyalty to their companies, revealing a significant disconnect where workers feel their employers do not reciprocate their dedication. Notably, many respondents expressed fear that if they don’t put in extra hours, someone else will, leading to increased anxiety surrounding job security.
Furthermore, around one-third of those surveyed mentioned that their bosses directly urged them to work harder, illustrating the excessive pressure workplace cultures can impose. The survey highlights an urgent need for employers to reassess their practices to promote employee wellness and retention.
In summary, the Perspectives survey paints a concerning picture of the work culture in the UAE, emphasizing a growing anxiety among professionals struggling to balance work obligations with personal well-being. With the demand for better working conditions becoming more pressing, it remains to be seen how corporations adapt to these challenging dynamics to ensure their employees' long-term satisfaction and productivity.
