Saudi professionals have identified the need to develop a stronger and more confident personal presence as one of their biggest challenges in the workplace within the kingdom (20%).  

 

A new survey conducted by YouGov of Saudi workers has also identified that 50% are looking for enhanced skills to help them deal more effectively with different cultures with one in three looking for the skills required as leaders to communicate with greater impact. 

 

“It is clear that professionals in Saudi Arabia are passionate about career development and eager for training opportunities to enhance their capabilities as leaders working with internal teams and external stakeholders,” said Wylie Rogers, president of global management consultancy The Tantalus Group, which commissioned the survey that was conducted by YouGov. 

 

Enormous changes

“The results reinforce the enormous changes the country is undergoing and the positive impact of Vision 2030 in transforming the kingdom’s economy and creating more rewarding and diverse career opportunities than ever before for the Saudi leaders of today and tomorrow.”

 

The research comes at a time when more Saudis are taking on key positions in both the private and public sector and helping to drive the transformation and diversification of Saudi Arabia’s economy as part of Vision 2030.

 

More than 1,000 men and women from across the kingdom took part in the survey. The aim of the survey was to secure a snapshot of opinion about the skills, training and support that professionals in Saudi Arabia need to help to secure even greater success both today and tomorrow. 

 

More training opportunities

It shows a strong desire for more training opportunities and developing better skills:

•More effective engagement with different cultures at home and abroad – 50%

•Enhanced people management and delegation skills - 38%

•Improved presentation skills – 35%.

•Stronger skills to communicate effectively as a leader – 33%

•Enhanced stakeholder skills engagement – 28%

The survey also identified that 41% believe that they best respond to in-person external training delivered by experts outside their own organisation.

 

Passion and hunger

And when asked which sector would benefit most from training, the survey respondents indicated that both the public and private sectors  - 35% and 28% respectively - would profit from professional development training.

 

“It is hugely encouraging to see such passion and hunger among the men and women working across the kingdom of Saudi Arabia for continued personal development and growth within their individual career path,” added Rogers.

 

The survey was conducted between November 5 and 11, 2024 and reached 1,005 adults, of whom 748 individuals were working and living in every part of the Kingdom.  Some 70% of participants were Saudi nationals and 30% expatriates, with 60% of those surveyed men and 40% women.--TradeArabia News Service