Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — A number of Saudi employees have underlined the need to Saudize managerial and key administrative posts to boost the confidence of Saudis working in the private sector. These employees complained that foreigners who control key administrative posts are hampering the Saudization drive by employing pressure tactics either to force Saudis quit their jobs or prevent hiring of more Saudis, according to a report in Al-Riyadh Arabic daily. Sultan Al-Ammash, manager of a manpower recruitment company, said that Saudization of key administrative posts, especially the post of human resources director, is essential to make the nationalization drive a success. “This is essential to ensure job safety for Saudis in the private sector. All the appropriate working conditions shall also be created to attract Saudis,” he said and urged the Ministry of Labor to take decisive steps in this regard. Al-Ammash said the Saudi workers shall develop a positive work culture by adhering to punctuality and discipline, and showing interest to do work and deliver maximum productivity. “Small and medium firms are better for enterprising and ambitious youth to reach key positions, while large companies are good for those who are keen on promotion and job safety.” Fahd Al-Mutairy, human resources development manager in a big company, cited several factors that prompt Saudis to quit their private sector jobs. These include a lack of proper awareness about work culture and their role in the Kingdom's development process, low salary, and long work hours. He called on Saudi employees to be more serious in performing their work properly and show patience, which is required to score excellent performance results in any job. Saud Al-Shammari, another human resources official, said that job security is essential not only for the employees but also for the employers. “Job safety of employees would lead to a better work environment and productivity. Employers always rely on experienced and committed employees than hiring new staffers and providing them with training to enable them to perform well,” he said. Nidal Al-Naami said he had to fight with his expatriate superiors to consolidate his position at his workplace. Nidal, who has his qualification in business administration, is now one of the administrative managers of a company. “I had to struggle a lot with my superior officials, who were all foreigners, to reach the position. My perseverance and determination helped me score success at my workplace,” he said. Al-Naami noted that most Saudis do not have such patience and they would quit their jobs under such circumstances. Al-Naami urged Saudi employers not to entrust any expatriate workers with training Saudi newcomers in the employment market. “The expatriate superiors will force Saudis to leave the job. There are several examples of Saudis quitting the job and rejoining the list of the unemployed due to the problems created by foreigners,” he said.
