A significant portion of employees in the UAE are dissatisfied with their workspaces, primarily citing noise issues and a lack of available space as their main concerns. According to the Global Workplace Survey conducted by design consultancy Gensler, only 31% of office staff strongly agree that their current workplace allows them to perform at their best.

The survey reveals that noise, limited room availability, and layout inefficiencies are prevalent challenges affecting UAE employees. The Gensler report highlights that employees prioritize improvements such as quiet spaces for focused work, enhanced acoustics in meeting rooms, and access to informal collaboration areas.

While 31% of UAE staff express satisfaction with their workplaces, this figure is higher than in France and Japan but lags behind those in the UK, India, and the United States. Edith Eddy, a Senior Interior Designer at Gensler Middle East, pointed out that there is a noticeable gap between what employees require to thrive—such as flexibility, creativity, and connection—and what their current environments offer. She emphasized that addressing this gap is crucial for organizations looking to attract talent and foster innovation in the UAE.

Moreover, the report found that only 15% of UAE employees prefer to work in traditional formal “business hubs.” Instead, many employees express a desire for “creative labs” or “nature retreats,” indicating a preference for flexible, tranquil, and purpose-driven environments that support innovation and well-being. This sentiment aligns with a global trend moving away from rigid corporate settings, as noted by the Gensler report, which also ranks the UAE among the top five countries where employees favor imaginative and wellness-focused workspaces.