DUBAL survey confirms “employer of choice” status

Many companies may claim to be an employer of choice, but few can truly substantiate their assertions. A notable exception is Dubai Aluminium Company (DUBAL), the entirely state-owned enterprise whose Jebel Ali operation is home to one of the world’s largest single-site aluminium smelters,where the most recent biennial employee survey has revealed high levels of satisfaction, both overall and across many of the dimensions measured. 

The latest Voice Your Opinion survey, held in March this year, was the third round of its kind. On each occasion, DUBAL has been benchmarked against industry and sector norms. The scores in the second and third rounds have also been benchmarked against those of the prior Voice Your Opinion Survey. 

In total, 84 per cent of employees participated in the third Voice Your Opinion survey and responded to questions on the following themes: Quality & Customer Focus; Strategy & Direction; Safety & Environment; Innovation; Tools, Equipment & Job-related information; Training; Job Satisfaction; Top Leadership; Work / Life Balance; Overall Satisfaction; Immediate Manager; Communication; Facilities; Recognition; Workload; Career Development; Compensation; and Structure. As in prior years, the survey was conducted by Hay Group (an international management consultancy), and analysed using industry benchmarks. DUBAL ranked 7 per cent above the Global Industry Norm, 4 per cent above the Middle East Norm and on par with the High Performing Companies Norm. 

Confirming the excellent standard of the results, Jan Marsli (Head of Insight Middle East: Hay Group) said, “In many ways it was astonishing to see the DUBAL survey results, because they are so very much more positive compared to what is normal in the Middle East or other similar work environments across the globe. The results are on par with what we call high performing work environments; that is organizations where a vast majority of staff work together with leadership towards shared success. Mutual trust and respect between employees and leadership is perhaps the most common feature of such organizations. DUBAL has clearly established such a working climate, and enjoys a very loyal workforce that is willing to put in the extra effort to meet customer needs. The relationship between employees and leaders is also very strong. In return DUBAL is offering world-class training and development opportunities for staff, and a climate where people feel respected. There are of course challenges, no organization is perfect. What is key here is that when we look at DUBAL staff feedback, compared to other similar organizations, DUBAL comes out as one of the best industrial workplaces, be it in the Middle East or elsewhere in the world.” 

Clearly delighted at the outcome, Abdulla Kalban (President & CEO: DUBAL) says, “Although it’s really unusual for a heavy manufacturing company such as DUBAL to be placed on a par with high performing companies which include multinationals considered the best in the world, we’re very proud to have been ranked so highly. We believe it’s important for our stakeholders, whether customers, suppliers, business associates or prospective employees, to know that DUBAL is genuinely an employer of choice; and that our company offers both existing and new employees a great value proposition.”   

Kalban cautions, however, that there is no room for complacency. Instead he encourages adherence to DUBAL’s culture of continual improvement. “While the survey indicates that DUBAL’s key areas of strength relate to training & support, communication, top leadership, innovation, customer focus and loyalty; it also identified some areas for improvement,” says Kalban. 

As in prior surveys, the results of the third Voice Your Opinion survey have been reported to DUBAL’s Board of Directors. The feedback from employees has also been used to inform detailed corporate, departmental and human resources action plans. “As always our employees’ opinions are valued and insightful, providing us with some good ideas to improve our performance,” continues Kalban. “Accordingly, practical solutions have been identified for the areas requiring improvement, and the implementation of our action plans has begun.”