UAE retailer Al Ghurair Investment has been named as a top employer in the country by the Top Employers Institute for 2023 for ‘outstanding people policies and practices.’
The company was one of 23 in the UAE to be given this award, and one of 46 in the Middle East. The list included IT, pharmaceuticals, healthcare services, transport and tobacco companies, out of which Al Ghurair was picked from the retail sector.
The Top Employers Institute programme certifies organisations based on the participation and results of their HR Best Practices Survey. This survey covers six HR domains consisting of 20 topics including People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Wellbeing and more.
The diversified family-owned business group is based in the UAE and has operations in seven industry sectors: retail, foods and resources, properties, construction and services, energy, mobility and ventures, and was formed in 1960.
Commenting on the award, John Iossifidis, Group CEO, Al Ghurair Investment, said: “We are immensely proud to be recognised for our commitment towards cultural transformation and fostering an environment where people can thrive, and be their best selves, every day. This recognition is a culmination of our ongoing efforts to enhance the regional talent hub through engaging and encouraging our people to perform, learn, and most importantly, grow. Our working environment is people-centric, stable and fosters innovation – where every voice has an equal opportunity to be heard and our people are empowered to be part of the company’s legacy.”
The group underwent a company-wide transformation two years ago when it launched its ‘Fit For Future’ model and incorporated it into the organisation’s ‘Employee Value Proposition’ and talent strategy to engage and empower people along their career pathways. The programme, aligned with the group’s commitment to supporting Sustainable Development Goals, focuses on nurturing skills and advancing career pathways across its diverse talent base.
Debra Teles, GVP – People and Culture, Al Ghurair Investment comments: “We are honoured to be recognised as a leading company in the UAE and one that our people are proud to work for. Serving our community, valuing our people for their unique skills, and providing a psychologically safe work culture are central to our purpose as an organisation. We owe our gratitude to our people across the business for this achievement, for their continued and passionate commitment to our cultural transformation, as we strive to be better, every day!”
Commenting on the recognition, David Plink, CEO, Top Employers Institute, said: “Exceptional times bring out the best in people and organisations. And we have witnessed this in our Top Employers Certification Programme this year: exceptional performance from the certified Top Employers 2023. These employers have always shown that they care for the development and well-being of their people. By doing so, they collectively enrich the world of work. We are proud to announce and celebrate this year’s group of leading people-oriented employers: the Top Employers 2023.”
Top Employers Institute recognises excellence in people practices. Through the Top Employers Institute Certification Programme, participating companies can be validated, certified, and recognised as an employer of choice. Established over 30 years ago, Top Employers Institute has certified 2 052 organisations in 121 countries/regions.
