TECHx: With major companies entering in metaverse and NFTs, what kind of job opportunities are likely to rise?

Nikhil: Businesses are building digital experiences for their customers and now with Metaverse gaining popularity, several existing jobs are expected to be transformed with new career descriptions and profiles.

All profiles will be in massive demand and there will continue to be a surge in hiring within the IT industry as we are essentially creating another internet that will have endless possibilities. Designers will also play a large role as we are moving from 3D designs to 4D designs within a very different framework. Industries like Gaming and Art are also embracing the new trends in Crypto, NFTs and due to this, there will certainly be new positions created to fulfil the new demands.

TECHx: Can you share the top 3 outsourcing practices to propel business growth?

Nikhil: Technologies are changing and advancing rapidly. Companies need to outsource their manpower based on specific project requirements rather than trying to fit people from one project to another.

It is much tougher and more expensive to hold onto talent in the long run. It is better to pay a higher wage and outsource the hiring process for a shorter amount of time or a specific project. Post project completion one can try and negotiate and decide whether it makes sense to hold onto the talent or not.

Incentive structures are much weaker in IT than most other industries. KPI driven/project-based incentives through an outsourcing company could result in higher productivity as well as improved employee satisfaction.

TECHx: Please outline 5 employment trends shaping the job ecosystem in the UAE in 2022.

Nikhil: Employee wellness has become more critical for organizations than ever. With the pandemic changing the work scenario across the globe, employers have re-learned the power of human resources and how creating an experience for the employees’ wellbeing is a key to propelling growth.

Employees are expecting more flexible work timings/work from home options to be able to balance the needs that emerged during the pandemic, be it health or managing time for family along with their respective jobs. Companies are expected to continue embracing the new work culture by providing ‘Ease of work’ to their employees.

With the pandemic as well as all the global uncertainty, UAE has become even more of a safe haven for immigrants. With the recent

Many industries like hospitality, and aviation has witnessed layoffs during the pandemic. Even the large firms had to rearrange their manpower and let some of them go. Taking these instances into account, a lot of candidates are willing to sacrifice pay for long-term job security. Stability will be chosen over large remuneration.

Part-time/freelance / project-based employment is also going to continue to grow drastically.

TECHx: Your comments on the future of the hybrid work model in 2022.

Nikhil: It is here to stay regardless of the covid situation. Employees have identified better work-life balances whilst maintaining the right amount of productivity. However, it will only apply to some industries which are more suitable for a hybrid work model.