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A conversation with Eva Mattheeussen, Head of HR MEA at DHL Global Forwarding . | Written by Eva Mattheeussen Eva Mattheeussen, Head of Human Resources, Middle East and Africa , DHL Global Forwarding I had a proper conversation with Eva Mattheeussen recently. She runs HR for DHL Global Forwarding across the Middle East and Africa. It is a busy patch of the world. The first thing she made clear is that her team doesn't just sit in an office pushing paper. They go to customer m

INC Group Takes Gold for Best Place to Work (Medium) — Employee Happiness Awards 2025 | Written by Charlotte Gibbs, Marketing Lead, INC Group INC Group at Employee Happiness Awards UAE 2025 In high-pressure industries where delivery timelines are tight and competition for talent is constant, building a sustainable people-first culture is often easier said than done. Across the Middle East’s design and construction landscape, organisations are navigating multicultural teams, r

Silver Winner — Best Use of Social Media to Attract & Hire Talent | Employee Happiness Awards UAE 2025 | Case Study by BLR World BLR WORLD's global team reunited in the cultural hub of Abu Dhabi for a 2-day annual Bootcamp & Celebration In today's talent market, recruitment rarely begins with a CV. It starts with a scroll: a short video, a behind-the-scenes post, or a campaign that transforms a job opportunity into a story worth joining. For organisations operating across meg

| Written by Riya Malhotra Can a machine truly understand what makes us human? It’s a question many in HR across the Middle East and Southeast Asia are quietly asking as algorithms start making hiring decisions, predicting attrition, and even shaping engagement strategies. Some see this as progress. Others, as a paradox. As organizations accelerate digital transformation across regions where relationships, trust, and collective growth are deeply valued, leaders are witnessing

| Written by Riya Malhotra There was a time when HR was seen as the “support function,” the department you called when someone resigned or when policies needed updating. Fast forward to 2025, and that perception is obsolete. The CHRO (Chief Human Resources Officer) has officially claimed a seat not just at the leadership table, but at the strategy  table. And rightly so. Because here’s the truth that the most successful organizations have already realized: people strategy is

For decades, the five-day (sometimes six) grind has been considered sacred, a symbol of productivity and dedication. But somewhere between burnout reports and “Sunday scaries,” organizations began asking a daring question: What if less work time could actually mean more commitment? | Written by Riya Malhotra Welcome to the 4-day workweek revolution, where productivity doesn’t shrink, loyalty doesn’t waver, and employees are, quite literally, happier to show up. Rethinking “Fu

Anand Wong, Founder & CEO of Heron Resource Technologies, explains why HR transformation fails when treated as a technology deployment instead of an operating model and capability shift. | Written by Anand Wong Over the years, I have seen a consistent pattern when organisations talk about HR transformation. More often than not, it translates into a single initiative: implementing a new HR system and calling it transformation. The early stages are always energising. Product de

Ranked World’s #1 Executive Coach by CEO Today, Navid Nazemian draws on his work with more than 250 executives across industries and geographies to explain why the first 90 days are only the beginning and why today’s executive transitions require a far deeper, longer, and more strategic approach. | Written by Navid Nazemian The “First 90 Days”  has become one of the most quoted and often misunderstood concepts in leadership transitions. I have seen it shape countless onboard

Navid Nazemian, World’s #1 Executive Coach by CEO Today, explores why 40% of executive transitions fail and how organisations still treat leadership onboarding as routine administration rather than strategic risk management. | Written by Navid Nazemian Why Executive Transitions Fail, and What Organisations Still Get Wrong In my experience, most organisations assume executive transitions are manageable, almost routine. A new leader is appointed, onboarding meetings are schedul

Creator and Chief Facilitator at The Clarity Game, Samir Geepee shares how psychological safety transforms silence into trust, innovation, and sustained team performance. Note: The situations described here happened in actual workplaces. Names and details have been changed. | Written by Samir Geepee The conference room was silent. Too silent. Ahmed glanced around the table at his tech team. Eight faces stared at laptops, nodding politely, saying nothing. He had just asked if

Maher Sabbagh explores why HR leaders lose credibility when they ignore commercial realities, and how business acumen, financial fluency, and strategic thinking redefine HR’s leadership impact. | Written by Maher Sabbagh If you have spent your career in HR focusing on people, culture, and engagement, you may believe that is enough to earn your seat at the table. I used to think proximity to people strategy naturally translated into business influence. After more than two dec

For decades, the universal truth of the workplace seemed simple: work hard, earn more, climb higher. But in 2026, that equation no longer adds up. Money matters, but it’s no longer the ultimate motivator. Today’s employees crave something far deeper: meaning, growth, belonging, and balance. | Written by Riya Malhotra As the world of work continues to evolve, HR leaders across industries are witnessing a quiet but powerful revolution, one where happiness, not hierarchy, define

Drawing on 15 years of HR experience, Ahmad Asseiri argues that employees don’t stay because they’re entertained, they stay when leadership helps them grow meaningfully. | Written by Riya Malhotra Ahmad Asseiri, Sr. HRBP at Ascend Solutions What 15 Years in HR Taught Me About Retention (That No Framework Mentions) If free ice cream, engagement surveys, and “Employee of the Month” programmes truly solved retention, organisations wouldn’t still be facing talent attrition as a

Employee Happiness Daily interviews Navid Nazemian on executive transitions, leadership evolution, organisational blind spots, and the human capabilities shaping resilient leadership today. | Written by Riya Malhotra Navid Nazemian, World’s #1 Executive Coach by CEO Today Employee Happiness Daily recently had the opportunity to interview Navid Nazemian, ranked World’s #1 Executive Coach by CEO Today, to explore how leaders navigate complex transitions and evolving organisat

| Written by   Hind Lagraich , Group HR Director, Omorfia Group Participants of the Omorfia Rise Programme in the Philippines highlight the lively spirit of the youth from SOS Children’s Villages Pilipinas. In HR, we often talk about purpose as if it lives inside strategies, frameworks, and presentations. We discuss inclusion. Employability. Social mobility. Belonging. That language matters because it helps us build systems and set direction. But every now and then, I’m remin

Shaun Adrian Harper, CEO and Founder of People Centric, explores how Gen Z is reshaping GCC workplaces and why leaders must evolve their mindset and leadership approach. | Written by Shaun Adrian Harper Gen Z's fresh perspectives and commitment to open communication are reshaping workplace dynamics. For years, leaders across the GCC have been trying to crack the Millennial code. How do we motivate them?How do we retain them?How do we keep them engaged? Just as organisations f

In HR, we often talk about purpose as if it lives inside strategies, frameworks, and presentations. We discuss inclusion. Employability. Social mobility. Belonging. That language matters because it helps us build systems and set direction. But every now and then, I’m reminded that purpose is not something we manage. It is something we witness. Moments like these reconnect me with why I chose a career in HR in the first place. Beyond processes and structures, our profession is

Employee satisfaction is a crucial element in the success of any organization. When employees feel valued and engaged, they are more productive, loyal, and motivated to contribute to the company's goals. In today's competitive job market, enhancing employee satisfaction is not just a nice-to-have; it is essential for retaining top talent and fostering a positive workplace culture. This blog post will explore effective strategies that organizations can implement to boost emplo

Employee happiness is not just a buzzword; it is a crucial factor that influences productivity, retention, and overall workplace culture. In today's competitive job market, organizations that prioritize the well-being of their employees stand out. This blog post will explore practical strategies that HR professionals can implement to enhance employee happiness and create a thriving workplace. A welcoming break room designed for relaxation and social interaction. Understanding

In today's fast-paced work environment, the significance of a positive workplace culture cannot be overstated. Companies that prioritize employee well-being not only foster a more engaged workforce but also see tangible benefits in productivity and retention rates. A thriving workplace culture is essential for attracting top talent and ensuring that employees feel valued and motivated. This blog post will explore practical strategies to create a positive workplace culture tha