Employee Motivation Strategies and HR Practices in Dubai: A Deep Dive into Monetary Rewards and Work

Individuals have one of the three orientations towards work.

1. Intrinsic Motivation (Non - Tangible Rewards: Job Satisfaction, Appreciation,
Recognition)
2. Extrinsic Motivation : (Tangible Rewards – Financial Gains)
3. Relational / Social Motives – (Friendships)


What do you think, is the motivating factor for people working specially in Dubai?

Why people are binding themselves to such a torturous schedule which starts from 4.30 am and Ends up at 8.30 pm specially for those who live in Sharjah and work in Dubai?

If its only financial gains – Then how do an HR Department handle such people who has the only motivational factor such as Financial Gain?

Any inputs ??

Hi Sajid,

I think it is the tangible rewards (money) which motivate people to work in Dubai from 4:30 am to 8:30 pm. Isn't this the reason most of us are here in the Middle East?

Regards,
Iona

Great! Good reply, Iona.

Now, how many times can a person get a raise? What kind of multiplication can he earn in terms of perks or incentives? Leave aside the incentives; it's his hard work and efforts that he takes, and benefits out of it. But as managers, how will you keep on motivating such a lot for whom MONEY is the most important factor of motivation?

Hi to the ShJ group.

Yes, I think all of us come to the UAE as expats to a large degree "for the money." Certainly, if I had to fight that DXB-SHJ traffic every day, I had better enjoy a financial reward. However, I know that money is not my only motivator. If it were, I would have accepted some of the highly paid jobs I could have had instead of the route of being part of a small consulting group that always has to be on alert for new projects and revenue. For me, the freedom I have to work at a crazy pace some of the time and a more relaxed pace when I want is why I am here. Furthermore, nearly 5 years I have been in the UAE has stretched me in new ways, and that has been a real blessing to me.

My current life lesson is to make sure that I work to live, and not live to work all the time.

Cheers

Hi,

I think this whole thing moves through stages. When we move in here, for most of us, it is extrinsic - saving potential, tax-free, etc. Once settled down, it becomes intrinsic - factors which people choose to ignore in the beginning now capture their attention. Expectation of recognition and appreciation sets in. Simultaneously, the social factor also comes into play since bonding at the workplace and socially begins.

Pointing to one factor is difficult. Which factor is predominant at that point of time is the key to motivate. I have noticed (I am not sure though) when an analysis is done: the profile is predominantly this way for people in the UAE for a long time: prefer routine, happy with a limited circle of friends, prefer to have a 'don't-be-close' relationship with their relatives, prefers a nuclear family, cut-throat competition/pressure does not suit... just observations... no basis for this... these could be possible motivators to stay despite other hassles.

Geetha

Hi Geeta,

I should say, good post based on proper analysis and observation. Indeed, most Indian expats, especially, fall into these factors for motivation. I guess these are some of the reasons which keep them going for most individuals despite the long hours at the workplace and the horrific traffic problems every other day.

Cheers, Sajid

Hi, I'm Vidya!

I have gone through a lot of theory on employee retention strategies companies are following nowadays. I am currently working on an assignment on developing some effective Employee Retention Strategies - primarily focusing on Monetary Rewards and their practical applications. I have already developed some ideas and have worked out some estimates and costs arising out of them. I need some more ideas on Monetary reward systems. Kindly help me if you have some innovative ideas on the same.

Regards,
Vidya :)

Hi Vidya,

Thanks for writing to us in the forum. Can you tell us where you are based presently and what demographics you are covering for your study? Is it in India or UAE? This information will help us compile our feedback for you.

Cheers,
Sajid

Hi Sajid,

Thank you for your reply. I'm working with an Indian Multinational Hospitality Group based in Mumbai. I work with their HR team and am in charge of the HRMIS systems and Policies (India Operations). The strength of our group is 1000+. We have 40+ branch offices and 10 hotels in India, as well as 6 hotels abroad. Kindly provide me with your valuable inputs.

Regards, Vidya

Hi! I am Amit, an HR Professional working for one of the renowned manufacturing companies in Sharjah. I have been here for the past year and am very interested in being a part of the Sharjah/Dubai CiteHR group. Could you please advise me on how to get involved in this? My email ID is amitpagedar@rediffmail.com. :)

Dear Amit,

Thanks for your interest shown. Please follow the steps through the below link:

Cheers,
Sajid Rasheed

Dear Amit,

I hope you have received all the information regarding the joining of the CiteHR UAE Forum Meet 4.

Cheers,
Sajid