Industries around the world have witnessed significant transformations in the last few years. With the integration of new software and the adoption of new policies, these developments are enhancing various HR processes within organizations, especially in KSA, going hand in hand with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 blueprint. We’ve put together a list of some of the top HR trends in Saudi Arabia. 

HR Trends in Saudi Arabia:

1. Employee Autonomy & Empowerment 

The majority of HR functions within KSA are self-serviced. Employees are given autonomy and can log in to their accounts, clock in and out, submit requests, request time off, update personal information, and much more. They are also able to view their attendance records and company documents and policies at their fingertips with an Employee Self-Service (ESS). With software like ZenHR, employees can easily complete processes, access information on their own, and so much more. This not only frees up HR’s time, but also helps focus on strategic thinking and human intervention. 

2. Shift Towards Artificial Intelligence and HR Cloud

AI is reinventing traditional HR trends in Saudi Arabia. Automation is already being used to ease administrative loads and streamline various manual and inefficient HR processes. From report generation and decision-making processes to employee experience, so many different aspects have benefited from AI technology. Companies expect these HR trends in Saudi Arabia to grow and have an impact on the HR industries even more in the years to come. 

3. Talent Retention

Employers in KSA are not only pushing for the recruitment of nationals and investment in their future to ensure their retention. Talent retention is one of the most prominent HR challenges in Saudi Arabia. To increase retention, it’s essential to speak to employees and conduct engagement surveys to determine the underlying HR issues in Saudi Arabia. Above all, both nationals and expats want a learning atmosphere with clear indicators of performance metrics and personal growth opportunities.

4. Diversity in the Workplace

The region has seen a lot of progress in this area, with initiatives to encourage women into the workplace at all levels through flexible working and more favorable maternity policies. Diversity has to contend with nationalization initiatives and  the country’s cultural norms. With this reform, as of today, women now make up 33% of Saudi’s labor force – nearly double what it was five years ago.

5. Data-Driven Decisions

HR professionals, now more than ever, are encouraged to think strategically and transformative. They must analyze data such as compensation raises to help ensure that the business’s ROI is not harmed. Across Saudi Arabia’s economic landscape, HR professionals are being pulled into strategic and financial talks more frequently than in the past. HR teams are being challenged to assist workforce skills development with market insights, data, metrics, and benchmarks.

Amanee Hasan

Amanee Hasan is a Senior Content Writer at ZenHR, an award-winning and top-rated HR solution that offers world-class HR software services in the MENA region. Her main focuses are SEO, UX writing, copywriting, and creating content highlighting the latest HR trends, and gives organizations and individuals the tools they need to create successful work environments where people thrive.