Latest news with #employeeempowerment
Tahawul Tech
02-06-2025
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
Aster DM Healthcare recognised for Workplace quality
In a region marked by rapid change and intense competition across sectors, the concept of a 'workplace' has evolved into a defining pillar for building resilient, sustainable institutions. Nowhere is this more vital than in healthcare—where success hinges not only on the quality of medical services, but equally on empowering the people behind them: doctors, nurses, and administrators. Organisations that place people at the heart of their mission—and foster cultures rooted in trust, respect, and belonging—are proving to be the most adaptable and enduring in today's demanding environment. Among the most striking examples of this philosophy is Aster DM Healthcare, which was recently certified as a Great Place to Work® in four Gulf countries: Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, and Qatar. The accolade comes from the global authority Great Place to Work®, and is based entirely on employee feedback regarding trust in leadership, fairness of policies, sense of belonging, and inclusivity in the workplace. 38 Years of Commitment Since its founding 38 years ago by Dr. Azad Moopen, Aster has pursued a clear vision: people come first—not as a slogan, but as a deeply embedded corporate ethos. Today, the group employs over 15,000 people, 76% of whom indicated high satisfaction, calling Aster 'one of the best places to work'. Aster's success isn't measured solely in business metrics, but in the core values it upholds daily: Passion, Compassion, Integrity, Excellence, Unity, and Respect. These values are echoed in the group's signature promise—'We'll Treat You Well'—which applies not only to patients, but to every person working under its umbrella. The result is a workplace that feels like family—supportive, ambitious, and committed to professional growth. Voices From Within Alisha Moopen, CEO of Aster DM Group, spoke proudly of the recognition: 'Our employees are our greatest strength. We've spent years building a culture that embraces humanity before all else. This global recognition reflects an inspiring work environment that supports and empowers every individual'. In Saudi Arabia, where Aster's operations have expanded significantly, Mohammed Al Shammari, CEO of Aster Hospitals and Clinics KSA, shared his thoughts: 'We believe a positive work environment directly reflects on the quality of healthcare. We're not just building facilities—we're shaping leaders and unlocking human potential. We continue to invest in our people and empower Saudi talent to drive our humanitarian mission and meet the evolving goals of the Kingdom's health sector'. Empowerment at the Core What sets Aster apart is not only its safe and inclusive atmosphere, but its active employee empowerment model. Through open communication policies, skills development programs, mental health support, and peer networks, the group creates a workplace where employees feel like true partners—not just task-doers. This approach boosts both satisfaction and long-term loyalty. As Jacob Jacob, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, puts it: 'True competitive advantage today isn't about technology or buildings—it's about people. We're building a culture based on trust and growth. When employees are valued and empowered, they perform better. We are fully committed to their professional and personal development'. A Global Seal of Approval The recognition from Great Place to Work® is especially meaningful because it's awarded based on internal feedback, not external metrics. As Sarah Lewis-Colin, VP of Global Recognition at the organisation, noted: 'This certification is given only to institutions that demonstrate genuine commitment to their people. Aster is one of the few that succeed in this. Our real-time evaluation confirms it's among the best places to work—an ideal environment for growth and achievement'. Saudi Market Expansion Aster's footprint in the Saudi market currently includes Aster Sanad Hospital in Riyadh, 16 pharmacies, and the digital platform myAster, which allows users to book appointments, receive consultations, and manage prescriptions online. With ambitious growth plans, Aster is investing SAR 1 billion over the next three years to open 30 new medical centres, 5 hospitals, and 180 pharmacies, while creating around 4,900 new jobs for Saudi professionals—supporting national Saudization goals and strengthening the Kingdom's healthcare ecosystem. These efforts were recently recognised on the global stage, as five Aster hospitals were listed among the World's Best Hospitals 2025 by Newsweek and Statista. Aster Sanad Hospital ranked 38th in Saudi Arabia, underscoring the group's commitment to excellence, innovation, and patient-centred care. Healing Begins Within Aster firmly believes that quality healthcare begins on the inside—with the caregivers themselves. As Saudi Arabia redefines quality of life and professional development through Vision 2030, Aster stands as a model of how a human-centred, sustainable workplace is not only possible—but essential. Today, Aster operates an integrated network of 15 hospitals, 121 clinics, and 306 pharmacies across the Gulf and Jordan, under leading brands such as Aster, Medcare, and Access. It remains dedicated to its founding promise: 'We'll Treat You Well.' Image Credit: Aster DM Healthcare
Al Bawaba
21-05-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Aster DM Healthcare Recognized as Great Place To Work™ in Saudi Arabia, GCC
Aster DM Healthcare, one of the largest integrated healthcare providers in the GCC, has been certified as a Great Place to Work® in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman and Qatar. This recognition reflects Aster's commitment to cultivating a workplace culture where employees feel valued, empowered, and proud to contribute to the organization's mission. Guided by its core values – Passion, Compassion, Integrity, Excellence, Unity, and Respect, Aster DM Healthcare places its people at the heart of its success. Aster's commitment to its brand promise, 'We'll Treat You Well,' goes beyond patients to include its employees as well. By recognizing their achievements, investing in skill development opportunities, and fostering open communication, Aster has cultivated an inclusive and supportive environment where employees thrive. The organization's culture of listening allows feedback from frontline staff to shape policies and enhance the work environment continuously. With these initiatives, Aster remains steadfast in its dedication to nurturing a workplace that empowers its people to deliver the best care. Commenting on the recognition, Alisha Moopen, Managing Director & Group CEO, Aster DM Healthcare said, 'Our people are our greatest strength, and this recognition affirms the culture we have built over the years and try to nourish every day. At Aster, we are committed to creating a workplace that values, inspires, and supports every individual, ensuring their growth aligns with the larger mission of the organization.' Mohamed Alshamari, Chief Executive Officer, Aster Hospitals & Clinics – KSA, commented on the achievement, "At Aster, we believe that a thriving workplace culture translates into exceptional patient care. This recognition in Saudi Arabia is a testament to our commitment to fostering an environment where our employees feel seen and have opportunities to grow. As we continue to expand in the Kingdom, we remain dedicated to investing in our people, enhancing career opportunities for Saudi Nationals, and building a strong, inclusive team that drives our mission forward." Aster has an employee base of 15,000+ across the GCC, one of the largest in the region here. A total of 76% of Aster's workforce rated the organization as a great place to work. This statistic highlights the strong sense of community and the inclusive, nurturing environment that has been built over the last 38 years. In KSA, the organization's network includes Aster Sanad Hospital in Riyadh, along with 16 pharmacies supported by its digital health platform, myAster. Jacob Jacob, Group Chief Human Resources Officer added, 'Our people will always be our competitive advantage. This certification is a testament to the strong sense of community we've built within Aster. Our efforts to create an environment of trust, respect, and growth have enabled our employees to feel deeply connected to our mission and values. This is just the beginning as we remain committed to nurturing their well-being and empowering their professional journeys.' "Great Place To Work Certification is a highly coveted achievement that requires consistent and intentional dedication to the overall employee experience," says Sarah Lewis-Kulin, the Vice President of Global Recognition at Great Place To Work. She emphasizes that Certification is the sole official recognition earned by the real-time feedback of employees regarding their company culture. 'By successfully earning this recognition, it is evident that Aster DM Healthcare stands out as one of the top companies to work for, providing a great workplace environment for its employees." With a workforce of over 1,000+ in Saudi Arabia alone, Aster DM Healthcare is united by individuals who embody its mission of providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare. The company plans to expand its workforce in the Kingdom, along with expanding career opportunities for Saudi Nationals, implementing leadership development initiatives, and supporting local health campaigns aligned with the Kingdom's vision for a healthier future.
Gulf Business
11-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
How people-centric businesses are winning in the Middle East and beyond
Image: Supplied Companies that prioritise people — whether employees, customers, or other stakeholders — are positioned to outperform their competitors in nearly every aspect. Investing in a people-first approach strengthens creativity, enhances loyalty, and drives long-term success. Fostering an environment where employees feel empowered and motivated leads to innovation, lowers turnover, and improves customer experiences. When companies empower their teams to take ownership and pursue innovative ideas, they gain a significant advantage. Microsoft and Google have built cultures where employees are encouraged to experiment and contribute new ideas. Creating an environment where employees have the freedom to innovate allow these companies to consistently lead in product development and industry trends. Employees who are trusted to take risks and think creatively push the boundaries of what's possible, enabling businesses to stay ahead in competitive markets. In the Middle East, Emirates Airlines demonstrates the power of investing in people. The company's commitment to employee wellbeing has fostered a strong culture of trust and support, which in turn fuels its reputation for exceptional service. Such investment in people contributes to Emirates' ongoing success, helping the airline remain a global leader despite an intensely competitive industry. The culture of employee empowerment at the airline plays a key role in the airline's ability to innovate and maintain a strong presence in international markets. Creating loyalty through a supportive work environment for people Employee retention is one of the most significant benefits of a people-focused culture. High turnover is expensive and disruptive, draining valuable resources. Companies that create an environment where employees feel valued and engaged see reduced turnover rates and greater overall stability. A people-powered approach strengthens loyalty, ensuring that employees remain committed to the company's long-term goals. Almarai, a leading food and beverage company, demonstrates the benefits of prioritizing employee engagement. The company's commitment to developing its workforce through training, leadership programs, and a supportive work environment has created a loyal and motivated team. Almarai's commitment to reducing turnover has helped the company grow while maintaining strong, long-term relationships with its employees, ultimately contributing to its success as a regional leader. Internal culture strengthens brand reputation A human-centred approach impacts more than internal operations — it shapes the company's external reputation as well. Employees who are engaged and motivated become natural ambassadors for the brand. Their enthusiasm and dedication often translate into better customer service, which strengthens customer loyalty and reinforces the company's brand values. Emaar Properties in Dubai has similarly benefited from a strong internal culture. The company invests in employee development and fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation. This focus on internal culture has contributed to the company's reputation for excellence, particularly in the real estate sector. Emaar's employees take pride in delivering high-quality developments, and this passion is evident in the brand's ongoing success in the global market. Employee engagement boosts financial performance Research has consistently shown that companies with high employee engagement perform better financially. Businesses that invest in their people enjoy higher productivity, better customer satisfaction, and stronger profitability. According to a 2024 McKinsey report, companies that prioritise their employees' performance are 4.2 times more likely to surpass their competitors, achieving an average revenue growth that is 30 per cent higher and experiencing 5 per cent lower turnover. Businesses that prioritise employee engagement are also more resilient and adaptable, with a workforce that is motivated to contribute to the company's success. In Saudi Arabia, organisations aligning with Vision 2030 are increasingly recognising that the key to long-term success lies in developing human capital. Focusing on employee well-being and professional growth, these businesses set themselves up for sustainable growth and greater competitiveness in the global market. Leadership plays a critical role in employee empowerment Effective leadership is essential in creating and maintaining a human capital strategy. Leaders must act as mentors, providing guidance and support while empowering their teams to succeed. Transparent and inclusive leadership fosters an environment where employees feel confident in contributing their ideas and working collaboratively. This kind of leadership encourages adaptability and drives innovation, which is crucial for business growth. Mohammed Alabbar, founder of Alabbar's leadership style encourages creativity and collaboration, empowering employees to take ownership of their work and contribute to the company's growth. Investing in people isn't just a strategy — it's the strategy that will drive long-term success. The future of business lies in leadership that places a strong emphasis on human capital, creating supportive and inclusive cultures where employees are motivated to contribute to the company's overall trajectory. The writer is the CEO and founder of CLAN Investment.
