du hosts pioneering Emiratis to discuss crucial work environment insights

Presided by the award winning medical veteran, Dr. Ali Singel, Head of Medical Services at Dubai Police and host of Dubai TV’s ‘Vitamin’ programme, du launched the first Al Multaqa Seminar series for 2011. Building on the success of the 2010 Al Multaqa Seminar series, the meetings aim to give Emirati fresh graduates who are enrolled in du’s Masar programme, and those who have already graduated from the course and are currently working in du, the opportunity to meet pioneering Emiratis across various sectors in the UAE, to have an open discourse and benefit from their extensive experience. 

“Managing Relations in work environments and the impact on occupational health” was the topic on the agenda during the inaugural session of Al Multaqa’s 2011 seminars, held recently at du’s head office al Al Salam Tower. The meeting provided attendees with an opportunity to interact with industry leaders, including du’s Director of Medical and Occupational Health Services, Dr. Mansoor Anwar, one of the speakers in attendance. 2011’s series of Al Multaqa Seminars commemorates the fifth year of du’s Masar programme; further reiterating du’s commitment and position as a leading employer of choice.

Relaying his valuable insights to the seminar’s attendees, Dr. Ali Singel commended du’s efforts in the scope of Emiratisation and shed light on the importance of work- life balance in any professional workplace:  “I am delighted to take part in the seminar and share my experience, which is a testament to du’s commitment to Emiratisation and true national leadership. We recognise the importance of ensuring a healthy work life balance for each individual employee that results in a highly productive workforce, and we believe the right environment, guidance and knowledge are the key ingredients to make this happen.” 

The seminar provided day-to-day examples and practical advice for young professionals on how to become successful individuals within the workplace. In addition, Dr. Mansoor Anwar delivered a presentation stressing the psychological and physical consequences of work related stress. In order to avoid such consequences, Dr. Anwar advises organisations to clearly define employee’s roles and responsibilities, ensure that the workload is in line with workers’ capabilities and resources, and design jobs that provide opportunities for workers to use their skills.

Dr. Anwar also highlighted the importance of giving staff the opportunity to participate in decisions affecting their positions as well as improving internal communication to reduce the uncertainty of future employment prospects. In addition, social interaction within the workforce should also be encouraged and the organization of work schedules should be compatible with the demands from outside the workplace. 

“Given the hectic pace of life of today it is a fact that stress is part of our everyday lives. Organisations need to work together with their staff to encourage motivation and ensure that their workplace is productive, while relieving some of the stresses we are faced with on a daily basis. The benefits of a happy and fruitful workforce is tremendous with less time lost due to sickness and other psychological side effects”, commented Dr. Mansoor Anwar, Director of Medical and Occupational Health Services at du.

Dr. Anwar offered some advice for employees looking to relieve stress, including taking time for energizing activities, making friends in and out of the office, taking a walk, booking a vacation to look forward to and most importantly to ask for help from a colleague if needed.

Entering its 5^th year of operation, ‘Masar’ is a programme for UAE nationals at du, and contains a set of six development programmes, in alignment with the employee grade and qualification. The programmes are aimed towards developing not only the technical skills, but also develop soft and business language skills.