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Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) recently launched the Breathe Easy initiative to encourage employees to adopt exercise routines to ease pressure from work, and maintain a healthy lifestyle, while encouraging their families to do the same. The initiative supports the objectives set by the DEWA 2021 strategy, which includes facilitating positive energy and providing a happy work environment. DEWA has also conducted a survey to better understand employees’ feedback about their work environment. The Stress Survey was sent to employees via email.
“DEWA strives to carry out the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to innovate new and effective ways in management, and in promoting staff happiness,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.
“DEWA works to achieve the happiness of employees by providing a positive and inspiring work environment, capable of improving individual and corporate efficiency. Since its launch, the Breathe Easy initiative has seen a large number of participants, and has proven successful. The initiative has so far covered five DEWA branches. These are DEWA’s Head Office, Warsan, the Sustainable Building in Al Quoz, Al Hudaiba, and Jebel Ali, with 2,020 employees taking part,” added Al Tayer.
“The Stress Survey focused on measuring the amount of pressure created by the work environment, and understanding employees’ requirements. We used accurate, scientific means of measurement to analyse vital aspects about working environment and its ability to facilitate innovation and work excellence. After studying the results from 994 DEWA employees, the Stress Survey showed that a large number of employees do not suffer from any form of pressure at work and feel comfortable in their work environment. Others noted that their knowledge and professional levels have subsequently developed since joining DEWA, due to the regular training and knowledge development programmes provided by DEWA,” added Al Tayer.
“Not many organisations around the world conduct such studies. Such surveys are very useful in understanding the aspirations, ambitions, obstacles, and difficulties faced by all employees. The studies also provide employees with the opportunity to express their opinions about the programmes and services provided for them,” said Dr. Yousef Al Akraf, Executive Vice President of Business Support and Human Resources at DEWA.
“The Breathe Easy initiative features team members visiting different DEWA branches, divisions, and departments, unexpectedly. The team then encourages employees to start exercising at their desks, taking them out of their usual working atmosphere, to create a happy and friendly environment in the work place. Sport plays a major role in enhancing positive energy and increasing productivity,” added Al Akraf.
Based on these results, a team from DEWA’s Employee Happiness department will design training programmes and workshops based on employees’ requirements and aspirations. Pressure and obstacles faced by employees will be addressed accordingly. Such surveys will continue to be conducted, in addition to other programmes that will be launched soon to enhance employees’ happiness.
The Breathe Easy initiative was very successful, with active participation by employees from different departments. A total of 2,020 DEWA staff took part. These included 400 at Warsan, 420 the Sustainable Building in Al Quoz, 430 in Al Hudaiba, 190 at Jebel Ali, and 580 at DEWA’s head office.
The employees were excited to take part in the activity. The relaxing techniques can be put to use at home, work, or even while on a picnic. The exercises ease muscular and nerve tension and help the brain work more efficiently.
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