Page 60 - ALEF EDUCATION PR REPORT - DECEMBER 2023

12/13/23, 1:12 PM Future of work: 24 leaders reveal key trends that will define 2024 in the Middle East - Fast Company Middle East | The future of t…
these financial pressures pose challenges to maintaining good
health. Leaders must grasp the profound effects of neglecting

employees’ mental and physical health, as evidenced by the

alarming statistic that 88% of employees globally are experiencing
burnout. Employers need to prioritize mental and physical health as

a core ESG imperative for the resilience and success of the

workforce in an ever-changing world.”

Katharina Hicker, founder and CEO, Castleforbes
Communications and Co-founder, Speakeasy Club

“AI stands as a transformative force, reshaping communications. Its
influence has transformed my way of working. I’ve experienced

enhancements in data analytics, enabling faster comprehension of

audience sentiments and precise trend identification. AI’s real-time
crisis management and reputation monitoring capabilities have

proven invaluable, ensuring swift responses and mitigating
damaging effects. Embracing AI is a strategy for leaders to increase

productivity and foster creativity.

There is a need for adaptive leadership. Transparency demands

leaders authentically engage diverse audiences while navigating
public scrutiny. I advocate for bold experimentation and leveraging

technology for more effective communication. As tech integration

increases, however, the need for emotional intelligence becomes
vital. Utilizing AI-driven tools and platforms can lead to a cut down

in human interaction and requires leaders to cultivate skills like
empathy, active listening, assertiveness, and self-awareness.”

Lucy d’Abo, CEO, Together

“We are seeing that the global trend of recognizing culture as the

ultimate competitive advantage is now reflecting as a norm in the

Middle East, and we believe it’s here to stay. The steady growth of
GCC economies and the rise of megaprojects in Saudi Arabia has

increased the regional talent competition. Furthermore, our research

in the UAE shows that 80% of people are ready to leave a company
when they experience a bad culture. Employers can no longer rely

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