SEDCO (Saudi Economic Development Company) Holding Group is taking active steps to enhance the Group's internal employee programs. The objective for SEDCO is to be the employer of choice to attract and retain high talent. SEDCO Holding Group is a leading Shariah-compliant organization responsible for a diverse spectrum of local and international companies and investments. A company's workforce is its core asset and main differentiator. Developing these assets not only enhances the individual capabilities and career prospects within the organization, but increases the overall productivity and competitiveness of that organization. This is best achieved in a positive and healthy work environment where employees are instilled with team spirit and pride in their company and its values. Anees Moumina, CEO SEDCO Holding Group, said “we consider employees as our most valuable asset. We believe their talent is our most important investment. Investing in our employees is a win-win situation for the employees, for the organization, and for the community. Our aim is to be the employer of choice to attract and retain top talents.” It is in this belief that SEDCO prepares and implements initiatives covering subjects such as employees' health, talent development, performance recognition, appreciation, thinking out of the box mentality, recreational facilities, and volunteering. Mens sana in corpore sano (a healthy mind in a healthy body), the famous Latin quotation, is taken literally at SEDCO Group. Employees going through the headquarters building will pass by baskets of green apples to be consumed at any time of the day. When taking the elevator, a sign reminds the employees to take the stairs instead and when they choose to do so, on each stair, messages are placed encouraging the employees and telling them how many calories they have burnt going from one floor to the next. Other health and well-being initiatives include the: Groups Football League (which has been an annual tradition for more than 37 year), subsidized gym subscriptions, blood pressure tests done at the offices, and the ‘'Let's lose 100 kg in Ramadan” program to collectively reach the goal. SEDCO also focuses on talent development and performance recognition through “Injaz” Performance Management System and Employee of the Month program. The objectives are to support talent development, recognition, appreciation and competition to increase productivity among team members. Talent development is also encouraged under the SEDCO Group Stars (SGS) Program which aims to appreciate and improve the skills of team members who have shown exceptional performance, behavior and leadership skills which resulted in improving the quality and performance of SEDCO Group. Thinking out of the box is translated to the Eureka online portal, a website dedicated for SEDCO employees to recommend changes, nominate ideas, and come up with suggestions for the betterment of the company. Environmental awareness is a topic which is encouraged by the ‘'Act Green'' Program where behavioral change is underlined. It has become routine for employees to recycle paper and plastic by allocating special bins for the purpose. Green offices are taken literally, with plants located throughout the offices. SEDCO is currently working on a comprehensive energy savings plan for the entire office building. SEDCO Group also provides employees with various facilities and services such as the Employees' Lounge, which was made up to the standard of renowned global companies who are known for their interactive and recreational work lounges to enhance team spirit, team bonding, and knowledge sharing. SEDCO also encourages employees to do voluntary community service and to further support SEDCO's belief in its role in society. SEDCO policy allows for volunteering during work days so employees do not have to take vacation time to contribute to society. One of the successful volunteer programs is Riyali, a financial literacy program, aimed at empowering Saudi youth in matters of personal and financial planning. — SG
