Signing up for Happiness: An Exploratory Study of Workforce Changes in the UAE Market in Response to the National Program for Happiness and Wellbeing
Keywords:
Happiness, Wellbeing, UAE, LinkedIn, Policy implementationAbstract
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), there is a notable, widespread cultural fascination around happiness and wellbeing, given its promotion by the government’s Minister of Happiness and Wellbeing. As such, the purpose of this paper is to explore changes in the local workforce and job market in response to the UAE National Program of Happiness and Wellbeing. A qualitative content analysis of 200 LinkedIn profiles was conducted, utilizing timelines of changes to profile information to explore the relationship between government happiness programs, changes within the UAE workforce and consequent educational qualifications. The results suggest the implementation of happiness programs to the business sector has been significant; yet, no relationship was found between educational qualifications and the increased number of employees reporting happiness roles. This study is part of an ongoing project focusing on the UAE Happiness and Wellbeing policy implementation. If any recommendations can be drawn at this stage, it is for UAE policy makers to ensure that the fidelity of the National Happiness Program be upheld and implemented, such that they effectively impact the roots of happiness, rather than enacting superficial policy objectives.References
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