Amid regional tensions that are creating uncertainty and reshaping businesses, experts explore the psychology of employee anxiety and the missteps companies make that erode trust.
US‑Israel‑Iran war continues to fuel regional instability and UAE businesses navigate challenging conditions, one question on everyone’s mind is: ‘Is my job secure?’
According to Tayfun Topkoc, Senior Vice President, International at PeopleStrong, today’s uncertainty is not only affecting business sentiment but also reshaping employee expectations of leadership.
“Employees are less unsettled by change itself and more concerned with how clearly and decisively organisations respond to it,” he said. “It is not change that drives anxiety, but the absence of direction and authentic communication.”
Michelle Raymond, CEO and founder of The People’s Partner, has observed this dynamic firsthand in her discussions with employees across the UAE.
“The biggest impact is psychological,” she said. “People can cope with a lot when they feel informed and protected. What truly undermines confidence is not uncertainty itself, but uncertainty without context.”
‘Is My Job Safe?’ How UAE Companies Are Responding to Employee Concerns Amid Regional Uncertainty
As the ongoing US‑Israel‑Iran conflict continues to create regional instability, businesses in the UAE are navigating challenging conditions, and one question is on everyone’s mind: “Is my job secure?”
Employee Anxiety and Leadership Response
According to Tayfun Topkoc, Senior Vice President, International at PeopleStrong, today’s uncertainty is reshaping employee expectations of leadership.
“Employees are less unsettled by change itself and more concerned with how clearly and decisively organisations respond to it,” he said. “It is not change that drives anxiety, but the absence of direction and authentic communication.”
Michelle Raymond, CEO and founder of The People’s Partner, has observed this dynamic firsthand across the UAE. “The biggest impact is psychological,” she said. “People can cope with a lot when they feel informed and protected. What truly undermines confidence is not uncertainty itself, but uncertainty without context.”
She noted that within organisations, anxiety often appears in quieter ways first. “Employees become more cautious. They start asking themselves whether growth plans will pause, whether restructuring is coming, whether promotions will be delayed, or whether they need a backup plan.”
Common Mistakes Companies Make
When organisations restructure quickly, mistakes can harm long-term retention. Topkoc warned that the biggest error is focusing solely on the short term at the expense of long-term people capability.
“When restructuring is treated purely as a cost response, organisations risk weakening the talent foundation they will need to recover and grow,” he said. “When employees don’t understand the rationale behind change, uncertainty spreads, and top talent often starts looking elsewhere.”
Raymond identified three common missteps:
- Focusing only on numbers – Protecting short-term cash flow while neglecting the human impact can harm long-term retention.
- Going quiet – Silence allows employees to fill gaps with their own narratives, usually worse than reality.
- Making knee-jerk cuts – Decisions made without considering capability can undermine organisational strength.
Talent Retention Strategies
A smart retention strategy now focuses on relevance, not just reassurance. Topkoc said employees are seeking stability and a clear path to growth. “The question is not just ‘will I keep my job?’ but ‘can I build a meaningful future within this organisation?’”
Raymond highlighted organisations that are handling this well. “A good retention strategy is visible steadiness. Companies creating calm through clarity, rather than pretending there’s no pressure, are the ones getting it right.”
She cited Burjeel Holdings as an example. “Even amid regional tension, the company continues to expand, with leadership speaking openly about resilience, adaptability, and long-term thinking.” She also noted that institutions like Bloomberg have allowed staff in Dubai to temporarily work from outside the region, maintaining pay and seniority until conditions improve.
Practical Advice for Employees
For those feeling the weight of uncertainty, experts offered grounded guidance. Topkoc advised workers not to automatically equate uncertainty with decline. “We are seeing a broader realignment of roles and skills as industries adapt to new realities. While some roles may be under pressure, demand for relevant, future-ready capabilities remains strong across the Middle East.”
He encouraged employees to stay adaptable: “Continue building valuable skills, align with your organisation’s evolving priorities, and remain open to internal opportunities that may not have existed before.”
Raymond added: “Stay calm, but stay aware. Do your job well, make your value visible, and keep your options open. You don’t need to panic, but you do need to be prepared.”
