How motivation in the UAE workforce changed due to Covid-19

Abstract

The study provides insight into the effects on motivation among the UAE expatriate workforce, driven by the Covid-19 pandemic. Primary data was collected using a quantitative questionnaire requiring respondents to evaluate their motivation through a set of Likert scale questions. Two open-ended questions allow qualitative responses to correlate with the quantitative data collected. Data analysis was descriptive and provided an account of the expatriate workforce level of motivation during a global pandemic and the effects in the past 18 months. The findings revealed key focus areas for businesses to consider when implementing new work environments to ensure business continuity and mitigate the risks of Covid-19 in the business.

The critical barriers to maintaining high motivation levels were related to concerns of not meeting existence needs and can be linked to the low motivation of workers who lacked employer support.