REVEALED: 10 Best Places To Work In The UAE

Logistics company DHL topped the list of the best places to work in the UAE, according to the latest ranking launched by the Great Place to Work Institute UAE.

The annual benchmarking study assesses the level of credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie within an organisation.

Most of a company’s score (two-thirds) is based on the confidential feedback of its staff, with an audit of management and HR practices by the institute comprising the remainder of the score.

Microsoft, which topped the list last year, came second among the ‘Top 15 Companies to Work For in the UAE’, while Omnicom Media Group rounded up the top three.

TOP 10 BEST PLACES TO WORK IN THE UAE

1. DHL

Sector: Transportation

Why: “At global logistics firm, DHL, their human capital work has centered on their ‘employee value proposition’ which includes growth, impact and pride – all of which is evident from their onboarding programme to the customised learning and development plans each employee receives. Every aspect of the employee lifecycle at DHL, from recruitment to retirement is closely aligned with the company’s core values, its business objectives and a mission of inspiring people to give their best – both in and out of the office.”

2. Microsoft

Sector: Technology

Why: “While Microsoft has a business focused culture, it also works to create a sense of work/life balance. To that end, it introduced across multiple teams and businesses within Gulf the idea of having a visible Work-Life Balance Charter that the whole team prepares and signs together. This sets the principles that the team feels would assist in raising awareness of some of the key issues impacting an individual’s work/life balance.”

3. Omnicom Media Group

Sector: Media

Why: “OMG’s keen focus on work/life balance makes it stand out as a leading example of how organisations should integrate health and wellness into a company’s culture. OMG also enjoys genuine dedication and commitment from its senior leaders. The OMG’s HR forums are championed by the senior management and HR leaders and provide a confidential team environment for all employees to have a voice about their working lives.”

4. Ericsson

Sector: Communications

Why: “Ericsson is passionate about its people and it has shown that it is willing to put its people at the center of its business strategy. Ericsson invests a significant amount of time listening to its employees and using their feedback to help shape future programs. Ericsson is also committed to giving back to the community, and the company encourages its employees to volunteer.”

5. THE One

Sector: Retail

Why: “THE One is arguably the top company when it comes to the visible commitment and engagement of the CEO. Having authentic and consistent support and involvement from the CEO when it comes to the engagement of employees is critical. THE One provides a unique and compelling social mission that its employees can get emotionally attached to, helping to motivate and inspire them.”

6. Fed Ex Express

Sector: Transportation

Why: Fed Ex’s P-S-P or “people-service-profit” philosophy guides all of their efforts. To thank employees who exemplify PSP, it uses the Purple Promise Award which recognises a team member who goes beyond the typical expectations for his or her job to ensure the customer’s needs are met.”

7. Marriott

Sector: Hospitality

Why: “Employees at Marriott benefit from a culture of appreciation. As an example, a Certificate of Excellence comes in the name of the associate from the corporate headquarters in Washington DC, and is signed by the company co-founder J. Willard Marriott, if an associate receives a thank you note from a customer on excellent service.”

8. Bayt

Sector: Technology

Why: “Bayt works hard at creating an employee-centric culture. In developing employees, for example, it conducts a daily training. These 30 to 40 minutes training sessions are called STARS training and the content is prepared by a Bayt head and the same content is shared across the offices each day.”

9. Weber Shandwick

Sector: Communications

Why: “Weber Shandwick recently moved offices. They made their in-house creative team work as a liaison between staff members and industrial designers and printers to ensure everything in the office represents the staff. From the plants chosen, to the imagery on the walls and even the bespoke welcome desk, the Weber Shandwick Dubai office is branded with all of employees’ voices.”

10. EMC2

Sector: Technology

Why: “EMC works hard to provide a caring culture, going beyond what is required. For example, it grants paternity leave, marriage leave, compassionate leave, even though it is not required to do so by labour law. And it grants public holidays in excess of government announcements.”