thenational.ae, Monday 31 May 2010
Companies Urged To Be Aware Of Emiratis’ Sensitivities
Abu Dhabi, Hala Khalaf:
The first step was getting more Emiratis into the workforce. The second step is
finding a way to keep them there.
For the more than 200 business leaders attending Abu Dhabi University’s second
annual two-day Emiratisation Forum, how to retain UAE nationals as employees was
the main topic of conversation.
A study by the Emirates National Development Program found that, last year, 60
per cent of UAE nationals working in the private sector quit their jobs.
The reasons, according to Omar Bamadhaf, an assistant undersecretary in the
Department of Civil Services, were a lack of career progression, mentoring and
managerial sensitivity.
“Company culture is important, and has to be aware of the sensitivities and
values of UAE nationals,” he said.
However, he cautioned against employing Emiratis without the right
qualifications.
“Competencies are important – they send a message that ‘how’ matters as much as
‘what’.
“You have to employee the right person, not just anybody.”
Kristina Turner, conference director, said young Emiratis were keen to prove
themselves without relying on their family name.
“The challenge is that these younger people want to be promoted faster, want to
move up quickly,” she said. “That energy is good and should be managed and
harnessed by employers.”
Dr Bob Nelson, an author on motivation, said creating opportunities to learn,
grow and develop in a job was one of the most significant factors for retaining
employees, and especially Emiratis.
“You improve retention by harnessing motivation,” he said. “You have to assess
the employee to understand his or her strengths in order to know what career
guidance and counseling to provide.”
hkhalaf@thenational.ae