Nearly three quarters – or 73 percent – of professionals in the Middle East have left a job because they disliked the company’s culture, according to new research from recruitment firm Robert Walters.

According to a survey of more than 1,000 professionals and hiring managers across the region, 82 percent of professionals have previously worked for a company where they disliked the company culture.

However, the vast majority – 90 percent – of employers recognise the importance of finding candidates that are a good cultural ‘fit’ for their organisation.

“The majority of employers recognise that ensuring potential staff are a good cultural fit is important, given the serious impact poor cultural fit can have on productivity at work and ultimately whether or not staff will stay with the company,” said Jason Grundy, Robert Walters Middle East’s managing director.

“However, given the high number of professionals who have left a job due to issues with the company culture, it is clear that many employers should consider the impact that company culture can have during the hiring process and in attracting and securing top talent,” he added.

Changing trends

Grundy also said that is it “worth employers considering” which aspects of company culture are significant to their workforce and consulting with staff members, HR specialists and recruiters to stay on top of changing trends.

“As working habits evolve and the priorities of workers have shifted, employers should review their company culture to ensure that they are responsive to these changing needs,” he added.

The research also found that 67 percent of professionals felt that they had been misled about company culture during their induction processes, with 53 percent noting that the overall environment did not match the job description.

Just over half – 51 percent – said they felt misled over opportunities for career progression.

“Competition for the best professionals is fierce and employers are keen to promote the best aspects of their company culture to secure the best professionals,” Grundy continued. “However, employers should consider the importance of being transparent regarding the realities of working for their company.”

Grundy added that securing a highly skilled professional that leaves a company quickly can have a detrimental impact on a firm’s bottom line and can have a negative effect on the remaining staff.