Professionals in the United Arab Emirates are increasingly taking on expanded roles as companies adjust to a rapidly evolving business landscape, according to recent research by recruitment firm Robert Walters. The study found that nearly 79 percent of surveyed employees are performing duties beyond their original job descriptions, reflecting a broader trend of organisations reallocating responsibilities to meet changing operational demands.

To manage these additional tasks, 49 percent of respondents reported working longer hours, while 25 percent said they delegated some responsibilities when possible. Despite the increased workload, only 17 percent of employees had formally discussed the expanded scope of their roles with their managers. This phenomenon has been described as the growth of “shadow workloads,” where extra duties accumulate informally without being officially recognised through job titles, compensation, or career advancement.

Oli Sanford-Scutt, Senior Director at Robert Walters Middle East, noted that the survey’s findings highlight the rapid pace at which businesses and workers in the UAE are adapting. “The UAE’s business environment moves fast, and organisations have had to adapt quickly,” he said, emphasizing the agility demonstrated by employees taking on wider responsibilities. However, he cautioned that companies need to ensure these additional tasks are clearly acknowledged and managed to prevent long-term pressure on staff.

Andrew Powell, Chief Commercial Officer at Robert Walters, added that many organisations are balancing the need to sustain productivity with more efficient resource management. While expanding job roles can increase flexibility in the short term, Powell stressed the importance of gaining clearer insights into workload distribution to avoid employee burnout.

The research also highlighted the growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, with 73 percent of UAE professionals using AI to assist with tasks previously outside their expertise. This adoption is boosting productivity and enabling employees to move more quickly into new areas of work. Sanford-Scutt described the UAE workforce as one of the region’s most technology-oriented, giving local businesses a competitive edge as AI use accelerates. Nevertheless, he urged employers to introduce AI with clear guidelines to ensure productivity improvements alleviate rather than add to employee stress.

The study revealed that 43 percent of respondents frequently experienced symptoms of fatigue, reduced concentration, or emotional exhaustion after intense work periods, while another 31 percent reported such effects occasionally. Powell emphasized that when properly recognised and managed, additional responsibilities can contribute to professional growth. He recommended that companies monitor workload pressures, redistribute tasks if needed, invest in productivity tools, or hire temporary support to maintain a healthy balance.

“Organisations that strike the right balance between efficiency and sustainable workloads will be better positioned to maintain long-term performance,” Powell said, underscoring the importance of managing employee capacity amid ongoing organisational change.