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Middle East Edition
21st January 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
Saudi Arabia expands ‘Professional Verification' service for workers from 160 countries
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in Saudi Arabia has completed the final phase of its 'Professional Verification' service, which now covers 160 labour-exporting countries. This initiative, part of the 'Professional Accreditation' programme, aims to ensure that expatriate workers possess verified academic qualifications and practical skills before entering the Kingdom. The service targets highly skilled professions, aligning workers' qualifications with their expertise using established standards. The ministry has included 1,007 professions in this plan, focusing on groups 1-3 under the Saudi Unified Classification of Professions, such as engineering and health. The goal is to regulate the local labour market and enhance productivity levels across the workforce.
PURPOSE
Has corporate purpose lost its purpose?
Writing for the FT, Stefan Stern considers ongoing research which suggests that following a drive to articulate company-wide purpose, employee engagement may go up, but actual staff retention does not.
STRATEGY
Starbucks to cut jobs
Starbucks has announced that it anticipates cutting jobs as part of a larger initiative to operate more effectively. Chief Executive Brian Niccol said that the job cuts will be disclosed by early March and won't impact in-store workers. Niccol explained that the corporation is to cut down on silos and duplications of effort because having too many managers and coordinators may be slowing the running of the chain. However, he did not specify how many cutbacks would be made. The action is a component of the "Back to Starbucks" plan, which Niccol has promoted as a means of bolstering the business in the face of declining sales.
WORKFORCE
Riyadh’s property boom puts home ownership beyond reach of many Saudis
Soaring property prices in Riyadh have become a “concern” for the Saudi government, highlighting the difficulties facing officials desperate to turn home ownership into a reality for the capital's citizens.
RISK
Qatar banks unite against fraud
The second edition of the Qatar Banks Fraud Management Forum (QBFMF) was recently held at Al Rayan Bank (ARB), bringing together representatives from the Qatar Central Bank, Ministry of Interior, and various Qatari banks. The forum aimed to enhance fraud prevention measures amid rising financial fraud trends. Key discussions focused on national collaboration to strengthen security frameworks and protect the financial ecosystem. Alexis Neeson, Group Chief Risk Officer at Al Rayan Bank, said: “Protecting customer data and transactions is a top priority for ARB and our peers.” Participants committed to ongoing cooperation to bolster fraud prevention and safeguard customer interests. Abdullah Yousef al-Sherawi, Unit Head of the Fraud Monitoring Department, highlighted the importance of adapting to new fraudulent methods and enhancing collaboration with security and financial institutions.
LEGAL
Iran and IFSW join forces
Hassan Mousavi-Chalak, head of the Iranian Social Workers Association, has announced significant measures in collaboration with the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) to enhance professional ethics. He said: “The first measure includes conducting research on implementing the global social work statement of ethical principles.” The Iranian association is noted for its proactive role in social policy-making, engaging in various activities including policymaking and international interactions.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Dubai sets new standards in happiness
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has announced the 2024 results of the Dubai Government Customer and Employee Happiness Indices, revealing impressive ratings. The report, from the Dubai Government Excellence Programme, showed an average customer happiness rating of 93.8%, employee happiness at 86.7%, and a Mystery Shopper score of 95.8%. Sheikh Hamdan remarked: “These achievements are a testament to the dedication and drive of our government teams,” highlighting Dubai's commitment to public service excellence. The top performers included the Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment, which excelled in both customer and employee happiness.
INTERNATIONAL
Walmart faces backlash over DEI cuts
Thirteen state attorneys general and a group of more than 30 shareholders representing $266bn in funds have urged Walmart chief executive Doug McMillon to rethink the company's recent decision to roll back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. In a public letter, the officials expressed concern over Walmart's closure of its Center for Racial Equity, the cessation of equity training, the phasing out of supplier diversity programs, and the removal of the terms "diversity" and "DEI" from company documents. The letter highlights the significant implications of these changes on the company's commitment to equity and inclusion. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, a Democrat, said: “There could be economic pressure from the other side of things which is, quite frankly, the majority of the United States. Women and minorities buy as well, have purchasing power as well." He added: “On the heels of George Floyd’s murder, Walmart had stepped forth and said that we’re making a commitment to the very thing that they’re now abandoning. So I question how genuine that commitment was."
Greek call centre workers are on strike
Employees at business outsourcing service company Teleperformance in Greece who provide customer service for major tech firms including Apple, Google, and Netflix are on strike, alleging retaliation against union activities and excessive monitoring. Approximately 12,000 workers are demanding improved working conditions, including permanent contracts, fair wages, job security, and reduced hours. The unrest began in early 2024 due to stagnant wages and increasing productivity pressures. Nikos Spyrelis, a worker and president of the Setep union, said: "We are constantly monitored, recorded, and pressured to increase productivity." Many employees face high living costs, and some report harassment and bullying. Despite the ongoing strikes, Teleperformance has yet to agree to a collective labour contract, leaving workers' concerns unaddressed.
Better workplace support urged for UK women with endometriosis
British mother-of-two Samantha Gelder has called for better workplace support for women with endometriosis, saying she felt many employers "didn't understand" the condition. Gelder said she had undergone repeated operations since she was diagnosed, and often needed to take prolonged periods of time off work. She said she had felt "unsupported" by previous employers and felt unable to pursue some senior roles due to the lack of provision. Gelder spoke to the BBC after Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough MP Gill Furniss led a debate on the impact of endometriosis on women in the workplace. According to Endometriosis UK, one in six women with endometriosis has to leave the workplace due to their condition. A spokesperson for the charity said it was "unacceptable" and "vital" that government and employers take action to protect those with endometriosis from "unfair practices" in the workplace. "We hope government will take note of the changes needed to better support those with endometriosis at work - including amendments to the Employment Rights Bill," the spokesperson said.
New rules for employees stir debate at Pang Dong Lai
Chinese supermarket chain Pang Dong Lai has ignited controversy with new rules governing employees' personal lives, including prohibitions against domestic violence and child abuse. Yu Donglai, the company's founder, said the rules are “Based on the spirit of freedom, the belief in love and the mission of letting more people live a happy life,” adding that they aim to promote positive family values. However, the policies have sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some praising the initiative and others criticising it as intrusive. Lawyer Fu Jian noted that while the rules are legitimate if not tied to pay, they may infringe on personal freedoms. This is not the first time Pang Dong Lai has faced scrutiny for its staffing policies, after it previously required employees to reject bride prices and avoid lavish weddings.
OTHER
Oman welcomes new military recruits
The Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) has welcomed a new group of citizens who have successfully completed the acceptance and evaluation stages to begin their military and academic training. The initiative is part of the Sultan's Armed Forces (SAF) ongoing efforts to "employ citizens in coordination with the Ministry of Labour." The SAF aims to integrate qualified national competencies into various units and departments of the Ministry of Defence, enabling them to contribute to the nation's service.
 


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