A Surefire Way to Set New Employees Up for Success

A person's first days or few weeks at a new job are a mix of excitement and anxiety as they settle into their new role and find out how they fit into the company culture.

The Kanoo Group understands the importance of a comprehensive orientation program and must execute this process effectively to ensure new employees get off to a great start. 

The process begins with the Human Resources and Administration Department initiating a series of approaches to introducing new employees to the company's history, culture, and values.

The aim is to familiarize the new hires with documented procedures and work instructions needed as an easy reference for guidance on executing their work more efficiently and effectively, thus, providing standard quality products and services to clients at all times.

Induction Day is a full-day event that includes breakout sessions on company policies and procedures. New employees also have the opportunity to meet new members and get to know the company's history and culture firsthand.

"Our orientation program is designed to help new employees feel welcome and supported," said Ms Maha Kanoo, Director of Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo (Holdings) BSC & Director of The Kanoo Group (UAE & Oman). "We want them to clearly understand our company's culture and values, to equip themselves with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their new role."

As Ms Maryam Al Busaidy, HR Manager - Administration & Emiratisation of The Kanoo Group (UAE & Oman), explains, "A good new staff orientation also makes sense for keeping employees engaged and happy with their decision to join the company. "Introduction to the company is more than just handing out laptops and showing new hires their desks. We want our new employees to be truly introduced to the company mission, vision, and values as well as start building relationships on day one."

One of the highlights of The Kanoo Group's induction program is a game-based learning session led by Ms Rose Santillan Flores, Asst HR & Admin Manager of The Kanoo Group (UAE). "We want our new employees to be excited about learning our company's policies and procedures", said Flores. "The game-based learning session is a great way to do that, and it also helps to break the ice making the event lively and engaging."

"Our main goal is to disseminate proper information to all our new employees in order to achieve effective implementation of the company’s policies & procedures, and most importantly, that they feel the sense of pride to be a part of the Kanoo family.", Flores added.

"The QHSE Department's involvement in the orientation process is an integral part of the program. This is to familiarize the new employees with our ISO 9001, 14001 & 45001 Management Systems. This will help them deliver their work efficiently and effectively in meeting customer's requirements," added Mr Victor Jaurigue, Asst Manager - QHSE Department of The Kanoo Group.

The Kanoo Group's orientation strategy is a comprehensive and effective way to welcome new employees and set them up for success. The modules are well-designed and engaging, and it helps new employees feel welcome and supported.

Welcome to the Kanoo Group family!

Abrar Hilal Yousif Jumeea Aljneibi	Kanoo Travel
Amna Juma Salim Binshamlan Alteneiji	Kanoo Shipping
Omar Ali Saleh Rahmani	BRC
Varsha Devadas Nair	Kanoo Travel
Joseph Franklin	BRC
Waseem Ul Nabi	Kanoo Machiney - Abudhabi
Arif Taj Mohammed Gardi	Kanoo Machinery
Cristina Magallon	The Kanoo Group
Brigin Mon Sahaya Ra	Kanoo Shipping
Komal Navgare	Kanoo Shipping
Sachin Chandrashekar Kotian	Kanoo Travel
Hia Basem Said	Services AUH

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For media inquiries, please contact: Cristina Magallon

Public Relations & Social Media | Communications 

Marketing Department 

cristina.magallon@kanoo.com| www.kanoogroup.com

The Kanoo Group’s Maryam Al Haddad gets retirement after 21 years of service

Dubai, UAE: For some people, the key to successful retirement means living out their golden years by accepting changes and finding meaningful activities to start fresh with a new beginning. That holds true for Ms. Maryam Al Haddad, after bidding goodbye to The Kanoo Group, her second home for the last 21 years.

Maryam Al Haddad honoured during a retirement tribute held The Kanoo Group Headquarters in Dubai 

In the Farewell event organised by Ms. Maryam Al Busaidy, HR Manager (Employee Services & Emiratisation ─ UAE & Oman), Ms. Maha Kanoo, General Manager – UAE & Oman (HR & Marketing) graced the occasion including Maryam al Haddad’s colleagues & friends who gathered to express their retirement wishes held on 7th November 2019 at The Kanoo Group Headquarters in Dubai.

Ms. Maha Kanoo said, “Maryam has been with us for decades and has successfully pioneered to be the first female UAE national retiree at The Kanoo Group. I am grateful for her commitment to having served the best long-term interests of the company. With such an employee, The Kanoo Group continues to stand firm through the test of time.”

“She always comes by to say, ‘Hi’ and asks, ‘how are you doing?’ She is the type of person who doesn’t whine and come to you with the problem. She is that person who works ‘through’ her problem - which demonstrates her strength and positivity,” she recalled.

“I am so proud to be a part of a reputable and legendary company which has been established since 1890 – one of the largest and longest-running family business across the Middle East and beyond,” Maryam Al Haddad expressed.

She laments that it’s difficult to bear the thought of leaving friends and the entire community behind, most especially the Kanoo family she considers not just as employers but as a real family. Nevertheless, she also contemplated that retirement is also an adventure and can be a perfect time to redirect herself on doing things she once loved (but lacked the time to do so) ─hobbies like fishing and travelling, and focusing on health and wellness, and spending more time with her loved ones.

“It saddens us to see you go. But you have a great and vibrant life ahead of you. We congratulate you on your retirement and wish you the best of luck in the future,” Ms. Maryam Al Busaidy, HR Manager - Employee Services & Emiratisation (UAE & Oman) said.

See also: Kanoo Travel named best corporate travel company in the Middle East

Mr. Mohammad Tariq, HR Manager – UAE & Oman added, “Maryam is always lively and full of energy. She inspires a lot of people around, that’s why it’s hard to find someone to ‘fit into the big shoes’ of her.”

Ms Al Haddad summarised, “For some reason, our society is very obsessed in pointing out the negative aspects of ageing. Yes, it is not always easy, but our attitude toward life matters a lot. With a positive perspective, we grow old with astounding grace, then confidently retire with a peace of mind all after.”

See also: The Kanoo Group honours Accounts Employees at farewell party

“Always remember that we are a group of select survivors – we have overcome the struggles and storms of life and workplace trials. We age with wisdom, resilience and mature understanding. These values are our priceless reward and accomplishment.”

Maryam Al Haddad has been a staff of Kanoo Shipping for over 2 decades and has served her duties well especially the local clientele. She has been a great role model and inspiration for the younger generation for her positive outlook, work ethic and commitment. The Kanoo Group wishes her all the best.

See also: The Kanoo Group bids farewell to outgoing Chief Financial Officer P.S. Ganapathi

The Kanoo Group honoured by MOHRE for supporting Emiratisation policy

Dubai, UAE: The Kanoo Group and Kanoo Travel, along with other awardees received a certificate of Appreciation from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) in recognition for their strong support and interaction with the qualitative Emiratisation challenge, recently placed in the category of "Best Companies in Employment" in the Transport and Aviation Sector.

His Excellency Nasser bin Thani Al Hamli, Minister of Human
Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)

His Excellency Nasser bin Thani Al Hamli presented the award to The Kanoo Group and Kanoo Travel, along with other awardees, and thanked them for their efforts in achieving the objectives of the Emiratisation challenge and for excellent teamwork in reaching tangible and rapid results of national KPIs 2021.

Ms. Maryam Al Busaidy, The Kanoo Group’s Head of HR - Employee Services and Emiratisation, in collaboration with the HR team, led the campaign to reinforce the MOHRE and the General Civil Aviation Authority’s ‘Emiratisation Accelerators Program’, which aims to recruit 1,000 UAE Nationals in the said targeted sector within 100 days, in 2018.

The Accelerator’s goal is to integrate UAE Nationals in the strategic economic sectors of the UAE by providing added value job positions that will enhance economic activities in the country from its current 3.35% to 5% by 2021, through strategic partnerships with private sectors.

See also: The Kanoo Group sponsors ‘From UAE with Love’ gift giving initiative

“Emiratisation is a major priority for the UAE Government and a national responsibility for all, which requires the integration of all national initiatives in this regard, in order to achieve the aspirations of the people of the UAE and to provide prosperity and a decent life for all members of society,” declared HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

See also: The Kanoo Group and CIRCOR conduct Pump Technology Seminar in the UAE

According to the Ministry, the current total workforce in the Transportation and Storage Sector accounts to 150,000 ̶ of which 2,000 are UAE Nationals. In 2017, there were 20,000 job opportunities ̶ of which 5,000 to 7,000 were suitable opportunities for the UAE nationals, it added.

The Kanoo Group/Kanoo Travel has provided all the efforts for enabling the participation of UAE Nationals in the private sector.

Ms. Maryam Al Busaidy remarked, “We are very happy to receive this accolade which comes in recognition of our commitment to the UAE government’s Emiratisation program. Congratulations to The Kanoo Group/Kanoo Travel for this award!”

About The Kanoo Group

‘The Kanoo Group’ is one of the largest, independent, family-owned groups of companies in the Gulf region established in 1890. It has diversified business industries in shipping, travel, machinery, engineering, logistics, property, oil & gas, power, industrial chemicals, training, joint ventures, retail and commercial activities, among others, and operates extensively throughout Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen and Qatar.

Our Vision
The Leading Family Business in the Region and Beyond

Our Mission 
Delivering Sustainable Excellence

Our Values 
Customer Focused, Ethical, Innovative, Agile, Competent & Intelligent, Collaborative, Accountable 

P.O. Box 290, Dubai, UAE. Toll Free: 800 KANOO, Fax: 04-3933636, Websites: www.kanoo.com / www.kanoogroup.com 

To comment on the article, send an email to:
Michelle Laylo Verzola 
PR Executive
The Kanoo Group

The Kanoo Group leads ‘Transition to Management’ forum to cultivate a high-performance culture

Dubai, UAE: What could be more important to a company’s long-term well-being than the cultivation of its future leaders? The Kanoo Group addressed this crucial topic by organising the ‘Kanoo Future Leaders: Transition to Management’ forum attended by 60 team leaders and executives across The Kanoo Group in the UAE, which was held on 30^th October until 1^st November 2017 at Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel in Dubai.

The leadership forum spearheaded by the HR Team was conducted with the aim towards creating a leadership and discipline culture through a systematic approach in managing the performance of organisations, teams and individuals, thus providing the road map for sustaining a high-performance culture.

The three-day Transition to Management workshop was divided into three batches, with 20 participating employees each day from 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM.

See also: The Kanoo Group launches new fully integrated HR solution

As the Resource Speaker for the entire course, Matt Cooper-Bradfield, Head of HR - UAE & Oman, said, “Achieving sustainable growth requires a commitment from each and every one of us to build a culture that can adapt to ongoing changes in a competitive environment. A high-performance culture requires setting clear expectations, creating a trusting environment, defining employees' roles, and encouraging employees' growth and development.” 

He also underlined the significance of strengthening the company’s core values: Customer Focused, Ethical, Innovative, Agile, Competent & Intelligent, Collaborative and Accountable.

The first half of the course defined the purpose and roles of a Manager, Risk Assessment and Management, and High-Performance Culture and its key elements. The second half detailed the different Leadership Styles using the principles of Kurt Lewin, Eric Berne (Transactional Analysis) and John Adair (Action Centre Leadership), its advantages and disadvantages.

The employees also gained insights about some of the fundamental elements of business success with topics such as Performance Discussions and Team Development by managing organisational & individual performance and development.

Further, the conference served as a platform for the participants to speak up, interrupt, ask and engage, as well as discuss the present team management fears and challenges, and how to continuously raise the bar and increase leadership capability at all levels as an individual, and as a team. 

See more photos of the event: http://kanoogroup.com/transition-management.html

About The Kanoo Group

‘The Kanoo Group’ is one of the largest, independent, family-owned groups of companies in the Gulf region established in 1890. It has diversified business industries in shipping, travel, machinery, engineering, logistics, property, oil & gas, power, industrial chemicals, training, joint ventures, retail and commercial activities, among others, and operates extensively throughout Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen and Qatar.

Our Vision
The Leading Family Business in the Region and Beyond

Our Mission 
Delivering Sustainable Excellence

Our Values 
Customer Focused, Ethical, Innovative, Agile, Competent & Intelligent, Collaborative, Accountable 

P.O. Box 290, Dubai, UAE. Toll Free: 800 KANOO, Fax: 04-3933636, Websites: www.kanoo.com / www.kanoogroup.com 

To comment on the article, send an email to:
Michelle Laylo Verzola 
PR Executive
The Kanoo Group

The Kanoo Group launches new fully integrated HR solution

UAE: The Kanoo Group recently implemented its new HR management system, MenaITech, in order to better serve its employees, with improved capabilities and modern functionality, including the ability to submit and approve requests on a smartphone application.

MenaITech is the first software company in the Arab region that is specialized in the development and distribution of Human Capital solutions to top public and private companies of various countries operating in the Middle East and North Africa.

MenaITech is designed in Jordan for the Middle East market and is an integrated HR solution that will help The Kanoo Group improve HR functions including payroll processing, leave management, appraisal reports, hiring, career management, and much more.

Maha Kanoo, GM of HR said, “We are delighted to implement the MenaITech system in The Kanoo Group as its supports our digital transformation objectives while also enabling us to provide cutting edge functionality to our employees that they can access from their smartphones anywhere in the world.  Moreover, the system will enable us to do more with less, making our service provision more cost effective and helping HR to remain responsive to changing business needs.”

MenaITech has been implemented as a cloud-based solution, meaning that employees and managers can manage their information and transactions from any web browser around the world.  At the touch or a button, or click of a mouse, employees can review their payslips and other data, submit leave and letter requests, request overtime and so much more.  Line managers can use the smartphone app or web browser to approve requests in a matter of seconds.

See also: The Kanoo Group donates laptops to support learning initiatives for the youth

Users in HR benefit from a modern interface and advanced workflow and reporting capabilities to help them manage their workloads in a more efficient way than ever before.  MenaITech also adds new capabilities, including an online appraisal system, recruiting and onboarding management, a training management system and online expenses submission.

Matt Cooper-Bradfield, Head of HR - UAE & Oman, said “The MenaITech HR system is a key step in the transformation of HR support in The Kanoo Group.  Working as a strategic partner to all of our businesses requires access to advanced technology solutions so that we can automate the routine, manage only the exceptions, and focus much more of our effort on making a difference for our businesses”

Matt also congratulated and thanked The Kanoo Group’s HR, IT and Finance teams for working so hard to deliver this milestone project.

See also: The Kanoo Group launches new Corporate Video