56% of employees in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and other part of the MENA regions have decided to find a new job in 2023
(Bayt.com)
Bleshing
With a total expat population of around 88.52%, i.e., 9.0 million, while the nationals only amount to 11.48%, i.e., 1.17 million, more than any other countries in the world, the UAE need to foster cultural bleshing to enable organisations to retain and attract talents.
The term “bleshing” (Tamim Ansary) is a combination of “blending” and “meshing” and refers to what happens when two cultures intermix. When two or more cultures blend, they begin to take on characteristics of each other, resulting in a new, unique culture. This process can occur naturally over time as people from different cultures interact, or it can be intentionally facilitated through various means, such as cultural exchange programs or diversity training.
The process of bleshing can have both positive and negative effects. On the positive side, bleshing can lead to increased understanding and appreciation of different cultures, as well as the development of new ideas and perspectives. It can also create a sense of unity and cohesion among diverse groups, as people begin to see themselves as part of a shared culture.
However, bleshing can also result in cultural assimilation or the loss of cultural identity. It can also create tension and conflict as people from different cultures may have different values, beliefs, and ways of doing things. To avoid these negative effects, it’s important to approach bleshing with sensitivity and respect for the unique characteristics of each culture involved.
Easter and Ramadan
As I am writing this blog, we are in the midst of both Easter and Ramadan celebrations.
Easter is the Christian festival that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and begins with a 40 days period of fasting – Lent and is concluded by the Holy Week, with Jesus’s last supper, his crucifixion on Good Friday and of course his Resurrection three days later.
Ramadan, has just started last week, this period of fasting during a period of 30 days is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam, along with the declaration of faith, prayer, charity, and pilgrimage to Mecca. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset. The fast is broken at sunset with a meal called iftar. This act of fasting is seen as a way to purify the soul, increase one’s connection with God, and empathize with those who are less fortunate.
Having been in Dubai for almost 6 months, it amazes me how this tiny little country is managing the ‘blesh’ all of those cultures, with its openness to the world and its welcoming attitude towards people from all backgrounds.
The city’s leadership has implemented policies that encourage diversity, such as the Dubai Multiculturalism Centre, which promotes cultural exchange and dialogue between different communities, and also promote tolerance, respect, and understanding between different cultures.
Creating a Holistic approach in businesses
A couple of weeks’ ago, I was the closing Keynote Speaker at the HRWorld Conference, with over 600+ attendees, 17 partners & 39 speakers. My topic Nurturing a Culture of T.E.C (trust, engagement and care) and Creating a holistic approach to Employee Experience.
It was clear during this conference, that the biggest current issue is to retain and attract talent.
Being able to define a totally holistic and comprehensive employee experience is essential for building a work environment that fosters employee well-being, engagement, and productivity. It is my mission as a motivational speaker and corporate trainer to inspire organisations to take actions, so here are some reasons why a holistic approach is necessary:
- Employee Satisfaction: A holistic approach to employee experience takes into account all aspects of an employee’s work life, from their physical workspace to their sense of purpose and belonging. By addressing all of these aspects, employers can create an environment that promotes employee satisfaction and well-being.
- Retention: Employees who feel valued, supported, and fulfilled in their work are more likely to stay with a company. By creating a holistic approach to employee experience, employers can increase employee retention rates, reducing turnover costs and maintaining a stable and productive workforce.
- Productivity: An employee’s work environment and experiences can have a significant impact on their productivity. By addressing all aspects of employee experience, employers can create an environment that promotes productivity and enhances employee engagement. BizShui is here for you!
4. Company Culture: A holistic approach to employee experience can help build a strong and positive company culture. Employees who feel supported and engaged in their work are more likely to be invested in the success of the company and contribute to a positive workplace and to nurturing a constantly growing bleshing culture.
5. Competitive Advantage: In today’s competitive job market, employers who prioritize employee experience have a significant advantage. A holistic approach to employee experience can help attract top talent, improve employer branding, and position a company as an employer of choice.
Creating a holistic and more comprehensive approach to employee experience is crucial for promoting employee well-being, engagement, productivity, and retention, as well as building a strong company culture, those are not just ‘nice’ to have but ‘must’ have to achieve competitive advantage and prosperity
Thank you so much for joining us at The Economic Times Future Forward Middle East and making it a big success! Your presence created a big difference and some insightful content you shared through your keynote & workshop was truly an eye opener & insightful. Your keynote was a perfect closing keynote for our conference. Our audience just loved the workshop and appreciated the learning they had from your sessions. You were truly a show-stopper for our conference.
Shashi Sharma Lead – Special Initiatives, ETHRWorld International The Economic Times
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