The UAE is set to introduce a “gamified” approach to the workplace to encourage friendly competition and boost productivity, aligning with its vision for the future office environment.
A recent study emphasizes how this trend—utilizing leaderboards, competitions, and achievement badges to enhance job satisfaction—could transform workplaces by the year 2040.
The report also forecasts that “extended reality (XR),” which encompasses immersive technologies, may lessen the need for traditional office spaces, while artificial intelligence (AI) could play a role in evaluating employee performance.
Additionally, it points to an increase in “early retirements,” with more individuals in their thirties and forties choosing to leave conventional careers for greater independence.
These insights were part of a significant report released by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Government Enablement (DGE) on Thursday.
The report anticipates major shifts in employment practices by 2040, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence.
Embracing the future
Ruba Al Hassan, the director general of strategic affairs and future foresight at DGE, noted that elements of workplace gamification and immersive learning are already being implemented.
“These advancements are taking place now,” Al Hassan stated. “They are not confined to a distant vision of 2040.”
The Emerging Trends in Talent Management (2024–2040) report outlines 16 global disruptive changes while also providing guidance to governments and businesses on how to adapt.
Among these shifts, one notable finding was the emergence of the “neo-generalist”—a person who can merge specialized knowledge with a wide-ranging understanding of various fields, becoming a comprehensive thinker.
“This reflects a trend where individuals are becoming more versatile and considering perspectives outside their usual focus,” she remarked.
In addition to the “gamification” movement, another trend is the increasing utilization of AI in hiring processes.
For instance, robots can conduct interviews to evaluate candidates objectively, minimizing biases related to gender, age, or appearance. AI-driven background checks might also reduce prejudice while aiding firms in selecting the most qualified candidates.
While AI is a trending topic worldwide, Al Hassan expressed her belief that its potential is “under-appreciated.”
“I remember back in college when the internet gained popularity almost overnight. This change is occurring even faster,” she reflected, pointing to the rapid adoption of tools like ChatGPT.
“Should we learn to harness its capabilities effectively, we can unlock its complete potential, ultimately realizing human potential.”
The study also anticipated that advanced technologies like virtual reality, augmented reality, and holograms will improve remote collaboration and could render traditional offices unnecessary.
The discussion of returning to office spaces has gained momentum following widespread remote work due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
A recent report from Michael Page indicated that despite economic challenges, 77% of professionals in the UAE are currently considering new job opportunities, up from 65% last year.
The report suggested that growing pressure to return to traditional work settings could mark a pivotal moment.
Additional forecasts included increased demands for data scientists; possible taxes on companies employing AI and automation, potentially providing income for those who no longer require traditional employment; and diminishing significance of some higher education degrees in favor of hands-on experience.
Discussing the evolution of workplaces, Al Hassan remarked that every technological breakthrough—from the printing press to radio and television—sparked debates concerning its impacts, yet people continue to listen to the radio and television remains relevant; adaptation is key.
“Our government is future-focused,” she asserted. “We do not simply aim to predict trends; we aspire to actively participate in shaping them. Our goal is to derive benefits from new technologies to enhance quality of life.”
The report draws insights from the “futures platform,” a resource utilized by governments, corporations, and research organizations to monitor more than 1,000 indicators of change across various sectors. It combines these findings with DGE’s internal evaluations.
DGE, initiated in 2023 to spearhead digital transformation for the Abu Dhabi Government, is already implementing recommendations such as using AI to reduce turnover and re-envision career trajectories for competitiveness.
Al Hassan expressed optimism regarding the rise of technology, provided it is executed responsibly, backed by appropriate regulations and people-centric policies. “I am very hopeful about the potential benefits for us.”