• Bader Al-Kharafi: “As a purpose-driven company, our focus on digital transformation, talent development, and workplace initiatives are key for customer experience and socio-economic progress”

• Numerous HR, Sustainability, Diversity and Inclusion programs are strategic focus areas of Zain's work culture and ethical commitment aligning with SDGs

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 a vision of diversity and inclusive development, aligning to the aim of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals of leaving no one behind.”

Al-Kharafi added, “As we continue to grow and adapt to foster a diverse and inclusive workforce, Zain has always insisted that its people are the company's greatest single differentiator, and we take pride in our ongoing efforts to support and empower our employees. Our Diversity and Inclusion program has become a key part of the fabric of the company. Transforming how we hire, plan for succession, and develop our people ultimately creates a vibrant and inclusive culture that values employees’ unique abilities and contributions.”

Zain’s highly impactful, and often pioneering employee-focused initiatives motivating its people include:

D&I: Zain's Diversity and Inclusion program has proven extremely successful in motivating employees as one of the most progressive initiatives of any entity in the region, with programs focusing on WE, Zain’s gender diversity initiative; WE ABLE, the disability inclusive program; ZY, the youth development program; ZAINIAC, the internal innovation drive; BE WELL, the mental health program and Reach, the mentoring initiative. The overall program demonstrates Zain’s company values and increases employee engagement and creativity, bringing it closer to all stakeholders.

Digital Innovation: Zain's strategy of digital transformation is based on investing in new business verticals such as ICT and Digital Infrastructure, including ZainTech, Data centers and Tower entities, as well as in 4G, 5G, and FTTH networks to offer more innovative customer-focused, and B2B services to government, business, IoT, and smart city sectors, bolstering the digital economy. Moreover, the Group API platform, ‘Dizlee’, continues to grow exponentially, offering rich entertainment content and gaming, with Zain making substantial progress in various fintech and esports services. These dynamic initiatives provide Zain personnel with a greater sense of purpose and work satisfaction.

Human Rights: Since inception, Zain has been deeply committed to the basic principles of human rights, respect for the rule of law and the well-being of society, making it an employer of choice. Conducting business in a fair, transparent, and equitable manner, and proactively engaging with various stakeholders, the Board of Directors recognizes it has the responsibility to uphold respect for human rights and contribute towards positive systemic change in the communities in which the company operates.

Notably, Zain tracks the effectiveness of its policies through engaging frequently with employees, suppliers, the general public and third-parties likely to be affected by such procedures, as well as ensuring mandatory compliance with the Zain Group Supplier Code of Conduct throughout its ecosystem.

The many purpose-driven programs implemented across all facets of Zain’s day-to-day business operations are positively impacting the level of employee satisfaction and attracting high caliber talent to the company across its footprint.