MUSCAT, 11 September 2011 – For the second consecutive year, BankMuscat, the leading financial services provider in the Sultanate, has won the prestigious Asia’s Best Employer Brand Award hosted by the Employer Branding Institute, CMO Asia. Salim Al Kaabi, Assistant General Manager – Human Resources, was also conferred with the HR Leadership Award in recognition of his creditable contributions, at the ceremony attended by over 200 senior corporate leaders in Singapore. The CMO Asia awards recognised 100 organisations across Asia which achieved excellence in building their brands as the employer of choice.
Based on extensive research done by the Employer Branding Institute (EBI), the criteria for the best employer brands included the creation of a culture of innovation at work place and consistent improvement in human resources policy by measuring organisational health and inculcating values that help in achieving the vision of a social employer and future leader. HR leaders from 36 countries attended the event, using the forum to share the best practices in management, development and innovation of talent.
BankMuscat was cited as a best employer brand with a distinct identity visible through HR practices, polices and strategy. The award acknowledged exemplary excellence in learning and development initiatives; distinctiveness in employee hiring; training and retention practices and continuous innovation. The EBI research cell and an independent jury consisting of senior leaders made the choice of the Best Employer Brands in Asia.
Salim Al Kaabi commented: “We are greatly honoured to be chosen for these prestigious awards. BankMuscat views intellectual capital as corporate asset and managing employee potential as a crucial element of delivering shareholder value. The Bank pursues effective engagement of employees for retention and optimal performance of the workforce, which leads to commitment, loyalty and a strong sense of respect at work. Effective employee engagement has helped in building the brand.”
BankMuscat’s achievements in the development of human resources have been recognised locally and internationally. BankMuscat is the first bank in the world to receive PCMM Level-3 certification for benchmark human resources processes besides the Hewitt recognition as the Middle East’s Best Employer and Investor in People award.
Al Kaabi added: “Our HR practices focus on creating, nurturing and supporting people to meet the ambitious growth plans of the Bank, through a wide variety of initiatives that cover all stages of employee life cycle. HR has been an equal partner along with businesses in our success story.”
On several occasions, the Ministry of Manpower has appreciated the human resources development initiatives of BankMuscat. The Bank presently maintains the Omanisation level at 92 per cent. The Bank has been able to derive maximum mileage out of its HR processes as most of its middle and senior management cadres are drawn from within the Bank.
Al Kaabi said: “BankMuscat maintains an unassailable lead as the best place to work. We regard our people as our most precious asset and maintain the highest standards of people management. We wish to continue investing in our people to improve the performance of the organisation. The Bank reflects a high level of commitment towards its people, encouraging them to take ownership and responsibility and contribute to the growth of the organisation.”