A recent report released by LinkedIn has shed light on the evolving dynamics of the workforce in Saudi Arabia, indicating a notable trend where women are demonstrating higher levels of career focus compared to men. The report, which delved into various aspects of employment trends in the kingdom, highlighted the burgeoning sectors of healthcare and information technology (IT).
According to the findings, a significant 61% of women in Saudi Arabia were actively pursuing career advancements in 2024, surpassing their male counterparts at 57%. Among the key motivators cited by women for seeking new opportunities were better pay, with 39% expressing this as a driving factor, while 34% prioritized achieving a better work-life balance. In contrast, men appeared more inclined towards considerations of salary and benefits, with 52% citing these as primary reasons for remaining in their current positions.
Moreover, the report revealed that 57% of women expressed satisfaction with their current jobs, indicating contentment as a significant factor in their retention, while a notable portion of men emphasized financial incentives.
The employment landscape in Saudi Arabia has witnessed a remarkable influx of nationals into the private sector, with official data showing that as many as 40.82% of new entrants in December were females, reflecting a shifting gender balance in the workforce.
LinkedIn's analysis also pointed towards a positive outlook for the Saudi labor market in 2024, with 78% of respondents expressing confidence in their ability to explore new job opportunities.
Amid this evolving scenario, certain sectors have emerged as focal points for employment growth. The healthcare sector, in particular, has witnessed a surge in demand for professionals, with patient care technicians topping the list of sought-after roles. This trend aligns with the kingdom's substantial investment in healthcare infrastructure, with Saudi Arabia accounting for a significant portion of the GCC's healthcare expenditure.
Furthermore, Information System Analysts have seen increased demand, reflecting the ongoing digital transformation initiatives across various industries. The construction boom propelled by mega projects such as NEOM and the Red Sea has also generated a need for skilled professionals, including Building Information Modelling (BIM) coordinators.
In addition to these roles, the report highlighted a rising demand for human resource professionals, talent acquisition specialists, environmental specialists, partnerships specialists, project managers, legal experts, and content creators, reflecting the diversified nature of the evolving labor market in Saudi Arabia.
As the kingdom continues its journey towards economic diversification and empowerment of its workforce, these insights provide valuable indicators of the shifting trends and aspirations within the Saudi employment landscape, with women playing an increasingly pivotal role in shaping its future trajectory.
