As part of its efforts to encourage the adoption of best practices within Dubai’s business community, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently hosted a seminar on improving employee welfare which featured case studies and experiences from leading public and private sector entities in the emirate.

The seminar was organised by the Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network, and attended by HR practitioners, welfare officers, happiness managers, health & safety managers, business excellence managers, CSR & sustainability professionals.

During the event, representatives from Schneider Electric, Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), Al Naboodah Group Enterprises, RAKBANK, and Six Construct, delivered informative presentations on best practices which have enabled the organisations to improve the welfare of their employees in the workplace and set an example for the rest of the business community.

The participants outlined several recommendations for improving welfare in the workplace, including the adoption of practices focused on well-being and happiness practices within corporate strategies, providing training and development opportunities, and updating existing policies to ensure the health and safety of all employees.

Dr. Belaid Rettab, Senior Director of Economic Research and Sustainable Business Development Sector at Dubai Chamber, stressed the importance of employee welfare in the workplace, and said organisations that make well-being a top priority and part of their corporate culture see many benefits as they are able to boost employee motivation, engagement, productivity and retention.

He noted that the case studies showcased during the seminar reflected a growing awareness on CSR and sustainability among businesses in Dubai, adding that such events provide an ideal platform for public and private sector stakeholders to collaborate and share knowledge.

Established by the Chamber’s Centre for Responsible Business (CRB), the Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network serves as the focal point for the business community to share and exchange best practices in implementing CSR. The network provides an opportunity for local companies to network, learn, share experiences and constitute CSR leadership.

The Centre for Responsible Business was established by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2004 to support and promote corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability. The Centre’s objective is to engage the Dubai business community in assuming greater responsibility for the emirate’s social and environmental needs. The CRB also promotes Dubai as the GCC’s gateway for global commerce by offering its business partners an environment of transparency and rule of law