The widespread consequences of the pandemic – supply chain disruption, economic uncertainty, skills shortages, and digital acceleration – have turned human capital assumptions on their head.
The 2022 Mercer Marsh Benefits MEA People risk report shows that for nearly nine out of ten firms in the Middle East and Africa (MEA), the concept of ‘people risk’ is becoming an existential problem.
The survey of 316 HR and risk professionals examined the five pillars of people risk with the greatest impact on businesses across the region. The vast majority – 88 per cent – say that health and safety risks to employees remain the biggest threat to their business – a clear legacy from the pandemic.
Those risks come from a variety of sources.Analysis shows that MEA-based organizations are comparatively well equipped to deal with the changing nature of work, with 78 per cent of firms currently addressing the risks identified in this area.
A similar percentage have clear roles and responsibilities in place for managing these risks, while 46 per cent have effective policies and support systems in place to enable remote, hybrid and other flexible ways of working.
For a great many companies, the coming year will be challenging, and people risks must be managed at an operational level. By anticipating risks and working with partners to mitigate them, MEA-based businesses can get on the front foot, allowing workforces to thrive, and preserving the bonds of trust that employers have worked so hard to achieve.
