du recognises employees who volunteered their time for worthwhile causes

Employees who had dedicated their time in 2011 to du’s community-enhancing initiatives were honoured during a ceremony, held recently at the telecommunications company’s premises in Dubai Media City. The equivalent of 46 working days was dedicated by 131 individuals, who spent around 400 hours on 11 of du’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) schemes.  

du, the UAE’s community-conscious telecoms operator, encourages employees to get involved in a number of initiatives and activities throughout the year that will benefit the people and society of the country. Every employee is offered the chance to volunteer for one of the many schemes developed in conjunction with local organisations to enhance the community that they, and du, serve and live in.

“Our employees are provided the opportunity to give back to the community, which reflects positively on them while also allowing them to develop a wider skillset and priceless experience, which can prove invaluable both in and out of a business environment,” said Hala Badri, Executive Vice President, Brand and Communications, du. “Volunteering is beneficial to everyone – the community thrives as a result of hours dedicated to its improvement, while it also develops strong bonds, trust and loyalty amongst our colleagues.”

“The effects of volunteering extend into health benefits, with those involved in doing good experiencing greater functional ability in life,” said Dr Mansoor Anwar, Director, Medical and Occupational Health Services, du. “There is a direct link between volunteering and well-being, and wellness amongst our colleagues, in addition to the engagement stimulus provided by dedicating time as a group, leads to good performance and higher levels of satisfaction.”

In 2011, du employees were involved in initiatives such as ‘One Root, One CommuniTREE’ and ‘Clean UP UAE’ by Emirates Environmental Group (EEG), and self-organised activities such as Mawaed al Rahman (through which 90,000 Iftar meals were distributed); Haq Al Leylah for the children patients at Al Wasl Hospital; an Iftar that hosted orphan children and a day out at KidZania for children with thalassemia.