A training and brainstorming session was organized by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) for Employees of Determination and their families. This is in line with government’s vision of including and empowering People of Determination. The session, part of DEWA’s regular meetings, is aimed to encourage communication and also exchange views and recommendations to empower them at workplace and in society, promote happiness, support and help them avoid negative impacts of pandemic on their physical as well as mental health.

During the sessions, DEWA staff took note of the suggestions of families of Employees of Determination on how to equip buildings, facilities, and services across the workplace. Families also received information on protecting People of Determination from Covid-19, and ways to offer them with psychological support.

“DEWA is committed to the inclusion and empowerment of People of Determination in line with the National Policy for Empowering People of Determination, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to create an inclusive society that ensures empowerment and a decent life for people of determination and their families. It also supports the ‘My Community... A City for Everyone’ initiative, launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, to transform Dubai into a friendly city for People of Determination. DEWA includes and empowers People of Determination through four pillars: Employees; Customers; Society; and Partners. We do this by providing an accessible and resilient flexible environment that helps Employees of Determination unleash their potential and prove their capabilities. We also launch many social initiatives and smart solutions that promote the inclusion of People of Determination in society,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.

“In 2019, DEWA managed to achieve strategic and operational indicators in inclusive employment thanks to its efforts and its regularly updated strategy. DEWA has made significant achievements in this area, such as renovating all of its buildings and facilities to meet the Dubai Universal Design Code 100%. It has launched 16 channels to recruit, as well as create a database for, job seeking People of Determination. DEWA currently employs 25 People of Determination across seven divisions. In 2019, the Employees of Determination happiness at DEWA was 99%, and the happiness of their families was 95%,” said Dr Yousef Al Akraf, Executive Vice President of Business Support and Human Resources at DEWA.

The conducted session covered various issues, including health and safety prootcols followed by DEWA to protect Employees of Determination. Session also included discussion around facilities and equipment offered by DEWA to promote productive work capacity, both at the workplace and while working remotely. It also covered DEWA’s Human Resources policies and procedures to promote happiness, and include and empower Employees of Determination at work and in society. Furthermore, the session introduced the basics of Emirati sign language.

In addition to regular meetings and sessions, DEWA offers multiple services to support and empower Employees of Determination, boost their productivity and keep their physical and mental health a priority. These include the Absher initiative, with dedicated and trained staff in the Human Resources department to support Employees of Determination at workplace. One more is the Estisharati Service, which offers them psychological support and the skills required to combat personal and work-related stress.

The People of Determination Legal Advisor initiative and the Sadiqi initiative extends support to their colleagues. DEWA has 4,458 employees trained to support People of Determination, and 22 of them have Diplomas in Sign Language.

WAM