Page 28 - SAMENA Trends - November-December 2022

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Zain Ranked Best Employer in Kuwait and Among Top-10 Companies to
Work for in Middle East by Forbes

Zain Group, a leading mobile technology innovator in seven market
across the Middle East and Africa was included in the global list of
"Best Employers" compiled by the renowned Forbes magazine. Zain
was identified as the Best Employer in Kuwait as well as one of the
top-10 employers across the entire Middle East. Forbes compiled
its sixth annual World’s Best Employers list, surveying 150,000
full-time and part-time workers from 57 countries, employed by
multinational companies and institutions to determine which
ones excel in areas including corporate impact and image; talent
development; gender equality; and social responsibility. Along with
higher salaries, better benefits and advancement opportunities,
and work/life balance, employees say purpose-driven work is a top
priority. Survey participants were asked to rate their willingness to
recommend their employers to friends and family and to evaluate
other employers in their respective industries that stood out either
positively or negatively. This year’s list comprises 800 companies
that received the highest scores. Multiple Human Resources
initiatives including talent development, as well as Sustainability,
and Diversity and Inclusion programs remain strategic focus areas
in Zain’s work culture, as they are part of the company’s ethical
commitment to aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development
Goals to create positive economic, social, and governance impacts
in the communities Zain serves and beyond. Bader Al-Kharafi,
Zain Vice-Chairman and Group CEO commented, "As a purpose-
driven technology leader in the region, our contribution to digital
transformation, talent development, and proactive workplace
initiatives are key to better customer experience and socio-
economic progress. Embedding sustainability and meaningful
connectivity in every aspect of our business, Zain is dedicated to
its ‘4Sight’ strategy of working consistently towards developing
the mobile telecommunications and ICT ecosystem centered on Infrastructure, including ZainTech, Data centers and Tower entities,
a vision of diversity and inclusive development, aligning to the as well as in 4G, 5G, and FTTH networks to offer more innovative
aim of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals of leaving no one customer-focused, and B2B services to government, business, IoT,
behind.” Al-Kharafi added, “As we continue to grow and adapt to and smart city sectors, bolstering the digital economy. Moreover,
foster a diverse and inclusive workforce, Zain has always insisted the Group API platform, ‘Dizlee’, continues to grow exponentially,
that its people are the company's greatest single differentiator, offering rich entertainment content and gaming, with Zain making
and we take pride in our ongoing efforts to support and empower substantial progress in various fintech and esports services.
our employees. Our Diversity and Inclusion program has become Human Rights: Since inception, Zain has been deeply committed
a key part of the fabric of the company. Transforming how we hire, to the basic principles of human rights, respect for the rule of law
plan for succession, and develop our people ultimately creates and the well-being of society, making it an employer of choice.
a vibrant and inclusive culture that values employees’ unique Conducting business in a fair, transparent, and equitable manner,
abilities and contributions.” Zain’s highly impactful, and often and proactively engaging with various stakeholders, the Board of
pioneering employee-focused initiatives motivating its people Directors recognizes it has the responsibility to uphold respect for
include: D&I: Zain's Diversity and Inclusion program has proven human rights and contribute towards positive systemic change in
extremely successful in motivating employees as one of the most the communities in which the company operates. Notably, Zain
progressive initiatives of any entity in the region, with programs tracks the effectiveness of its policies through engaging frequently
focusing on WE, Zain’s gender diversity initiative; WE ABLE, the with employees, suppliers, the general public and third-parties
disability inclusive program; ZY, the youth development program; likely to be affected by such procedures, as well as ensuring
ZAINIAC, the internal innovation drive; BE WELL, the mental health mandatory compliance with the Zain Group Supplier Code of
program and Reach, the mentoring initiative. The overall program Conduct throughout its ecosystem. The many purpose-driven
demonstrates Zain’s company values and increases employee programs implemented across all facets of Zain’s day-to-day
engagement and creativity, bringing it closer to all stakeholders. business operations are positively impacting the level of employee
Digital Innovation: Zain's strategy of digital transformation is based satisfaction and attracting high caliber talent to the company
on investing in new business verticals such as ICT and Digital across its footprint.

28 NOVEMBER- DECEMBER 2022