A significant shift is occurring within the UAE labor market as nearly eight in 10 professionals report that their job responsibilities have broadened over the past year. According to recent research from Robert Walters, 79 per cent of surveyed employees are now managing tasks that fall outside their initial job descriptions, a trend the firm identifies as the growth of “shadow workloads.” These extra duties often accumulate informally, failing to be reflected in official job titles, compensation packages, or clear career progression paths.
To cope with these evolving requirements, 49 per cent of workers have resorted to extending their working hours, while 25 per cent attempt to delegate tasks where possible. Despite the increased burden, only 17 per cent of employees have engaged in formal discussions with their managers regarding their expanded scope of work.
Oli Sanford-Scutt, Senior Director at Robert Walters Middle East, noted that the trend highlights the rapid pace at which the UAE’s business environment operates. While this agility is a testament to the workforce’s adaptability, he warned that companies must ensure these additional responsibilities are formally recognized and managed to prevent them from becoming a permanent source of professional strain.
The integration of artificial intelligence is acting as a primary catalyst for this shift. The study found that 73 per cent of UAE professionals are utilizing AI tools to execute tasks that were previously beyond their existing skill sets or knowledge base. This rapid adoption is helping staff boost productivity and venture into new operational areas more quickly.
Sanford-Scutt described the UAE workforce as one of the most technology-focused in the region, providing local businesses with a distinct competitive edge. However, he cautioned that employers must set clear expectations for AI implementation. The goal, he emphasized, should be for productivity gains to alleviate pressure rather than simply serving as a justification for assigning even more work to individuals.
“For businesses operating in the UAE, being intentional about how AI is integrated, and what it means for individual capacity, is becoming an increasingly important part of talent retention,” Sanford-Scutt stated.
The impact of these shifting demands on employee well-being is notable. The survey revealed that 43 per cent of professionals frequently suffer from emotional exhaustion, fatigue, or reduced concentration following periods of high performance, with an additional 31 per cent experiencing these symptoms on an occasional basis.
Andrew Powell, Chief Commercial Officer at Robert Walters, explained that while many organizations are striving to maintain productivity while optimizing resources, they require better visibility into where workloads are intensifying. He suggested that when properly managed, these wider roles can foster professional development and help employees acquire valuable new capabilities.
To ensure long-term success, Powell advised companies to actively monitor pressure points. He recommended that firms consider redistributing tasks, investing in further productivity-enhancing tools, or securing temporary expertise to support teams. “Organisations that strike the right balance between efficiency and sustainable workloads will be better positioned to maintain long-term performance,” he concluded.
The survey also found that 43 per cent of professionals frequently experienced fatigue, reduced concentration or emotional exhaustion after periods of intense performance, while another 31 per cent experienced such effec
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Alyaa Aldhanhani is a business reporter based in Fujairah.
She covers business, markets and lifestyle trends in the UAE with a focus on stories that connect with everyday readers.
In her spare time, she enjoys exploring new cafes, drawing, and staying active.
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