83% job applicants in Qatar said they wanted to work for a company committed to corporate social responsibility

In an era when talent is scarce and employers are scrambling to fill key positions, many candidates feel like they have a chance to land their dream job. But what are applicants looking for when they evaluate a role, and what can companies do to make their employer brand more attractive in this challenging market?
 
To find out, Michael Page surveyed over 100 employees and jobseekers across Qatar. We asked them about the kind of contracts they preferred, their commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR), their ideal work arrangements and more. Read on to discover what turns a good job into a dream job.

Landing the right contract

After two years of COVID disruptions, it’s no surprise that our respondents placed a high value on stability. When asked what type of contract they were willing to consider for their next position, a full 82% said they would prefer a permanent position. Close to 30% said they’re looking for a fixed-term contract while 14% said they would be happy with any kind of position. Also, 3% are also open to freelancing opportunities.

Finding the perfect-sized company

Respondents were asked to choose their ideal company size: small, middle or large. Preferences were split, with large sized companies the top choice (52%) followed by middle companies (chosen by 40% of respondents) and small companies (6%). 

Candidates who prefer large companies seem to be mostly motivated by the chance to accelerate their professional development and earn a better salary. Of the respondents who preferred large companies, nearly half (43%) highlighted more opportunities for training and developing greater expertise. Other advantages identified by these respondents include working in a well-known or recognized company and better promotion and career opportunities (33% for each) and a clear strategic vision (30%). 
 
Why do candidates gravitate towards middle-sized companies? Of the respondents who preferred middle-sized companies, nearly half (48%) highlighted more opportunities for training and developing greater expertise. Other advantages identified by these respondents include  better promotion and career opportunities (33%), where as a clear strategic vision and better work-life balance sat equally at 25% for each.
  
While small companies were the least favoured option, the responses make clear that these organisations have several unique advantages. More opportunities for training and developing greater expertise was highlighted by 57% of the respondents who preferred small companies, while 43% were attracted to the quality of life at work. A lot more interesting projects to work on  and quick decision making processes were picked by 28% for why they prefer smaller organisations. 

Getting the benefits you need

In today’s knowledge economy, jobseekers are focused on acquiring the skills they need to succeed. No surprise, then, that a full 74% of respondents placed training and career development among their most-wanted employment benefits. This was followed by private healthcare for employees and their families — a top priority for just over half (55%) of respondents. Other benefits that make a difference include financial advantages (chosen by 41% of those surveyed), a life insurance policy (34%) and a company car (26%).

Working for a socially responsible employer

These days, candidates aren’t just looking for a salary boost and career development opportunities. (83%) of survey respondents said they wanted to work for a company committed to corporate social responsibility or CSR. Asked to identify the most important CSR values, 58% chose human rights, while economic responsibility and philanthropic responsibility were highlighted by 55% and 52% of respondents, respectively.

Flexible work arrangements

Millions of employees found themselves working from home for the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic — and our survey suggests that a majority would like to continue with this arrangement. Well more than half of the respondents (69%) said they would like to work remotely either some or all of the time. 
 
How would candidates like to divide their time between home and office? The most popular arrangement is more than 4 days or a full time remote role, preferred by 36% of respondents. Around (26%) like the idea of spending two days working from home, while just 19% would like to work from home for one day per week.
 
The trend for remote working shouldn’t disguise the fact that many employees enjoy working in the office. The key motivation for these workers is to feel more engaged with their job
(72%), while 45% like to keep personal and professional environments separate.

 
Office-based teams may also benefit from greater employee engagement. More than four in 10 respondents (42%) emphasised the importance of face-to-face meetings, while 28% said they enjoy maintaining social links and enjoy relaxing moments with colleagues.

Making dream jobs come true

If you’re determined to find your dream job, Michael Page can help. Start your search today by visiting our jobs board. And if you’re an employer looking to hire top talent in your industry and location, don’t hesitate to contact one of our expert recruiters.