Novo Nordisk, AstraZeneca, Vodafone, GSK and Tamkeen Technologies have been crowned as the top five employers in the Middle East, according to the ‘Best Places To Work’ certification programme.
The international ‘Best Places to Work’ initiative celebrates companies ‘whose employees feel connected to their workplace with exceptional human resources programmes and forward-thinking workplace policies’.
This year, it found that while core benefits such health benefits, fair pay, recognition are must-haves for employees, they alone don’t translate into a high workplace rating. Strong company culture and a supportive environment that encompasses encouragement, empowerment and purpose are imperative to staff, according to the programme organiser.
IMPORTANCE OF D&I
The CEO of Vodafone Egypt, Alexandre Froment-Curtil, believes his company’s diversity and inclusion (D&I) initiatives have played a huge role in helping to achieve ‘the best workplace’ in the region status: “Aside from being the number one network offering the best quality of services to its customers, Vodafone Egypt has succeeded in becoming the best workplace due to our numerous and diverse initiatives that enable diversity and inclusion in the workplace.”
Investing in human resource development ‘is a priority’ for the telecommunications company. “Vodafone has been working hard to create a culture where everyone feels included and inspired to be at their best, and it is always looking to improve, particularly in three key areas: building a digital talent base, investing in future digital talent, and creating a diverse and inclusive workplace,” he added.
Commenting on the company’s status as ‘best’ employer in the Middle East, Mads Bo Larsen, VP & General Manager of Novo Nordisk UAE, stated: “We have a high purpose as we touch many lives, treat everyone with respect, develop our people and recognise them fairly in a warm friendly atmosphere, leading to a high winning and business ethics culture. This is a recognition of all of our hard work and all Novo Nordisk UAE employees can be proud of themselves.”
NO MAGIG FORMULA
However, according to Khaled Atef, AstraZeneca’s Country President for Egypt and North Africa, there’s ‘no magic formula’ for becoming a great place to work. “The key is just to inspire the ambition, solidify the company values and empower the team so that they would drive the business forward and would go beyond all expectations. This recognition really highlights the difference between a good company and a great one. At AstraZeneca, it’s very important for us to create a culture of Growth through Innovation,” he explained.
AstraZeneca was, in fact, certified as the ‘Best Place To Work’ across several countries in the region including Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan and Egypt. Adding to his comments, Rami Scandar, Astrazeneca’s Near East Country President, stated: “It has been a phenomenal year. Our teams in Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq have won the number 1 Best Places to Work award and we are proud to come second in the Middle East as well. These milestones speak to the entire region’s unparalleled commitment, never-ending development and exceptional performance.”
CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY
GSK’s Senior Vice President for Emerging Markets Central, Emin Fadillioglu, believes it’s the company’s responsibility to help people do more, feel better and live longer. “With decades-long commitment to our business in the Middle East, the achievement in business belongs to our people and spirit,” he pointed out. “Becoming the Best Place to Work in this region is the result of our relentless efforts for providing our employees a working environment that enables them to be themselves, feel good and sustain their development.”
Adding to his comments, Mohammed AlShaibi, General Manager of Tamkeen Technologies, stated: “We pride ourselves with the culture that we are creating for our people through trust, transparency, engagement, empowerment and opportunities. We must be all proud that we are certified and recognised as one of the best places to work in Saudi Arabia in our first participation, which demonstrates that initiatives are heard and appreciated.”
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