Lockton survey: 47% of Mena businesses face ‘resilience gap’ amid regional upheaval

A new report by insurance brokerage Lockton reveals that 47% of businesses across the Middle East and North Africa are grappling with a ‘resilience gap’ as they adapt to evolving regional circumstances. The Workforce Resilience report, which surveyed 140 HR and business leaders in the Mena region, also found that only 39% of companies consider themselves ‘very’ prepared for significant business disruption.

Workforce risks well understood but talent loss a major concern

The report shows that 86% of businesses believe their workforce-related risks are ‘well understood’, a figure that Lockton says highlights the importance placed on employees. However, the biggest workforce challenge identified by 66% of respondents is the loss of key talent and skillsets. This is followed by the ability to update skills alongside digitalisation and the rise of artificial intelligence (43%), and competition for talent (38%).

Geopolitical and technological pressures fuel the gap

Adeeb Al Naser, UAE CEO at Lockton, said businesses in the region have continued to operate despite economic, geopolitical and organisational changes. He pointed to global challenges around talent competition, the rapid spread of advanced technologies and changing employee expectations as factors contributing to the resilience gap. In the UAE, Dubai-based cable supplier Ducab experienced growth after the conflict as developers turned to local suppliers due to shipping and logistics constraints in the Strait of Hormuz, the report noted.

Interconnected risks and the road ahead

‘Workforce risks rarely exist independently and, conversely, can often exacerbate one another,’ Al Naser said. He explained that emerging technologies can place greater pressure on already stretched talent pools, intensifying competition for those with the required skills. At the same time, technology advances are accelerating upskilling as people consider how to make these developments work for them. ‘As businesses look ahead, many are renewing their focus on workforce resilience and the steps needed to mitigate people-related risks. Building resilient, and engaged, high-performing workforces are enablers in strengthening business confidence, supporting long-term growth and helping organisations thrive in a rapidly evolving environment,’ Al Naser added.