A new global report from Page Executive, Talent Trends 2025: Executive & Senior Leadership Edition, has revealed a striking shift in executive priorities: work-life balance now outranks salary and career success as the top concern for senior leaders worldwide.
Based on insights from over 4,000 executives across six continents, the report uncovers a growing demand for clarity, purpose, and inclusive leadership in an era defined by rapid technological change and evolving workplace expectations.
“Clarity is no longer a luxury—it’s a competitive advantage,” said Anthony Thompson, CEO of Page Executive. “Executives want to know where they stand, where they’re going, and how their values align with the organisation’s mission.”
Key Findings:
Work-Life Balance Takes the Lead: 29% of Middle East executives cite it as their top priority (in line with the Global average)—surpassing salary and career advancement.
AI Adoption Accelerates: Almost half of Middle East senior leaders (48%) are using Generative AI, yet 31% feel unprepared to take the most out of it due to limited training and unclear strategy. Inclusion Still Lags: Only 33% feel they can be their authentic selves at work (slightly lower than the global 38%; just 24% (vs 27% at a global level) believe their workplace is truly inclusive.
Trust is a Deciding Factor: Only 34% trust their organisation to balance business needs with employee well-being – lower than the global rate at 49%.
Five Actions For Employers:
Prioritise Career Growth & Global Mobility
o Offer clear pathways for advancement and international experience. Executives are
seeking roles that stretch their capabilities and broaden their horizons.
Align Culture with Values
o Ensure that organisational culture reflects the values leaders care
about—transparency, purpose, and social responsibility.
Clarify AI’s Role in Leadership
o Provide strategic guidance and training on how AI can enhance—not
replace—leadership decision-making and productivity.
Lead with Transparent Intent
o Communicate openly about business goals, challenges, and expectations.
Transparency builds trust and fosters alignment.
Embed Inclusion into Leadership
o Move beyond surface-level diversity initiatives. Create environments where all
leaders feel seen, heard, and valued.
The report also reveals that more than half of executives would decline a promotion if it
compromised their well-being—highlighting a growing preference for purpose over prestige,
especially among women leaders.
“To retain top talent, organisations must embed equity, clarity, and trust into every level of
leadership,” said Rani Nandan, Director of Inclusive Culture & Social Impact.
The full report is available now, offering actionable insights for organisations looking to future-proof
their leadership strategies (https://shorturl.at/q6uSE).
