Recent Saudi Arabian government statistics point to some interesting challenges that lie ahead for the Kingdom in areas of unemployment, female labour participation, and youth engagement and integration in the workforce.
Unemployment remains a critical concern. According to the latest official figures, 12.1 percent of the total Saudi labour force (15 years and older) were unemployed in 2012. Six hundred thousand people were hence out of work. Unemployment figures are estimated to reach 6.1 percent among the male population, soaring to 35.7 percent amidst the female population.
While Female participation in the labour force is significantly lower than male participation, there are some compelling trends in the positive direction. Labour force participation for Saudi females has increased from between 7-8% to 15.7% in less than a decade.
Employers are increasingly rethinking their human capital strategies in the light of the changing workforce dynamics and on-going regulatory changes. More work still needs to be done for enhancing employment opportunities and female participation in Saudi workforce.
Equal opportunities for genders, youth engagement and integration of workers with special needs are the main themes of the forthcoming Talent & Diversity Leadership Forum to be held in Riyadh this December. Hosted by French business communications group naseba, the forum builds upon the success of their Human Capital and Women in Leadership events in the region.
The Ministry of Labour’s endorsement of the forum re-iterates the government’s support of the critical issues facing both local employees and employers. H.E. Adel Muhammad Fakeih, Minister of Labour commented “The government of Saudi Arabia is committed to supporting diversity in the local workforce. The Kingdom has been investing in its talents through education, legislation and jobs opportunities. The Ministry’s support of the Talent & Diversity Leadership Forum highlights its continued support in this area, and helps in providing the foundation for future equality of opportunities for all employees”.
The two day executive forum is expected to bring together 250 senior level executives to review talent development and diversity strategies. During the forum leading employers will also be recognized at an achievement award ceremony.
Sophie Le Ray, CEO of naseba expressed her gratitude to the Ministry for their insight and support and commented “The Talent & Diversity Leadership Forum will provide a gathering of Saudi Arabia’s stakeholders, policy makers, business leaders and senior HR executives. It will seek to discuss and address the most pressing issues faced by Saudi employer and also identify possible opportunities for collaboration”.
Further information on the forum can be found at www.talentdiversityforum.com