The Department of Economic Development in Sharjah has achieved the Gold Category in the Inspiring Work Environment Certificate, as part of the Certified People First™ accreditation. This program is a modern initiative implemented in the region, awarded by Inspiring Workplaces, an accredited organization based in the United Kingdom.
Hamid Ali Abdullah Al Mahmoud, the head of the Department of Economic Development and a member of the Executive Council of Sharjah, stated that this accomplishment reflects the strategic vision of the department in investing in human resources. He emphasized that an inspiring work environment is a fundamental pillar for achieving institutional sustainability and enhancing the efficiency of services offered. He remarked, “We believe in Sharjah’s Economic Development that human capital is the primary driver of excellence. This recognition is the result of a comprehensive approach focused on developing and motivating employees, as well as creating a supportive work environment that unleashes their creative potential and delivers optimal results.”
Dr. Ahmed Al Ali, Deputy Director of Strategic Planning and Performance Management, confirmed that obtaining the Gold Category was a direct result of implementing best practices in human resource management and aligning strategic plans with institutional performance indicators.
The People First™ accreditation program relies on a comprehensive global framework for assessing the work environment, covering six main areas. These are evaluated through a comprehensive employee survey and an in-depth analysis of institutional maturity. The areas include positive leadership, employee well-being, motivation and belonging, internal communications and engagement, innovation and work behaviors, and job equity and transparency.