The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) launched the federal government distinguished Employee program “Tastahal”, which is considered one of its strategic initiatives and the first of its kind at the level of federal government. It is one of the effective motivational methods for inspiring employees to inject more innovativeness and excellence in their routine work. The program aims at honoring 24 distinguished federal government employee twice annually.
In this regard, His excellence, Humaid Mohamed Al-Qatami; Minster of Education and chairman of the Federal Authority for Federal Government Human Resources confirmed that the authority’s initiatives and strategic projects are designed primarily to inculcate the principles of leadership and excellence in the work of the federal government system as a whole, and improve its competitiveness at all levels. This would play a pivotal role in achieving the aspirations and instructions of the wise leadership of the United Arab Emirates, led by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan "May Allah protect Him", and His brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President , Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, "May Allah protect Him", which are embodied in the UAE Vision 2021, and its national strategy for the next seven years, and the strategic plan for human resources within the federal government.
The assertions of his excellence were made during the ceremony organized by the Authority in Dubai to launch the Federal Government distinguished Employee: “ Tastahal”, which was attended by his excellence Dr. Abdulrahaman Al Awar; director-general of the federal authority for government human resources; his excellence Mohamed Matar Al-Marri, director–general of the National HR Development and Employment Authority; Tanmia and a number of directors of sectors and departments within the Authority, together with representatives of federal ministries and entities, in addition to the sponsors of “Tastahal” program, the program panel of referees and media representatives.
He indicated that the launch of “tastahal” program comes as part of the Authority’s quest to create human cadres empowered and able to efficiently and effectively perform the tasks assigned to them within all federal ministries and entities, and to motivate all federal government employees to aspire for excellence and creativity in order to accomplish a high quality performance, hence develop a human capital capable of competitiveness, innovativeness and leadership.
His excellence, Humaid Al-Qatami expressed his gratitude for the Hyundai company represented by Juma Al-Majid Group and City Tech Group of Companies and all other sponsors of the federal government distinguished Employee program “ Tastahal”, calling upon all private sector institutions to follow suit and take the initiative to support such motivational programs that significantly contribute to further development, progress and prosperity cause within the UAE and strengthen its position within the global arena.
Dr. Abdulrahaman Al-Awar : “Tastahal” entrenches the culture of Innovation and Loyalty
On his part, Dr. Abdulrahaman Al Awar, director-general of FAHR has praised the program which aims at honoring distinguished federal government employees in their work places through applying certain criteria and an impartial evaluation committee made up of specialized experts from outside the Authority selected through applying very strict conditions and specific controls.
He stressed the importance of the program in achieving excellence in federal government performance, which, in turn, entrenches a culture of innovation and loyalty and develop distinctive practices and successful national models that will consequently enrich the federal entities experience and turn them into a sort of role model at all forums. This will eventually enhances the pioneering position of the UAE state and highlights its role as a role model at both regional and international levels.
He pointed out that the main objective of the program "Tastahal" is to help the public sector to provide high-quality services, that comply with the requirements of the star-rating project for government service centers, recently launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President ,Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai "May Allah protect Him ". It is hoped that this project would contribute to creating a motivating work environment, and raise levels of satisfaction among employees and customers alike.
Two Sessions per year, four Categories and 24 Winners
He pointed out that two sessions of the program shall be organized twice a year and each session lasts for 12 weeks. The first session will start at the beginning of April each year and finish by the end of June, while the second session will start at the beginning of October and finish by the end of December.
The director-general pointed out that the employee who proves to maintain a constantly distinguished performance within his/her entity will be honored. The levels of excellence demonstrated by the given employee are measured against how significant the performance was, compared to the postulated objectives of the entity he/she works for. He indicated that the Authority has intentionally categorized the “Tastahal” program into four groups depending on the nature of work undertaken by employees within federal ministries and entities. The four groups are: administrative and assistant administrative category; educational and ancillary educational category of jobs; medical and ancillary medical category of jobs and finally diverge range of specialized jobs. He stated that 3 employees will be honored in each of the four categories during each single session of the program, which amounts to honoring 24 employees throughput the year.
Disseminating Innovative Thinking within the Federal Government
On his part, Mr. Ibrahim Fikiri; director of the Department of Projects and Programs within the Authority, gave a detailed presentation on the “Federal Government Distinguished Employee Program “Tastahal”, concentrating on the most prominent objectives of the program, such as encouraging positive competitiveness; consolidating cooperation amongst federal entities; honoring distinguished federal government employees by showing real appreciation for their services and outstanding contributions, enhancing human resources awareness of the importance of applying quality control and vital principles of excellence within federal ministries and entities and dissemination of culture of knowledge and innovative thinking on the part of federal government employees to invest upon their capabilities and competence.
Uniform Criteria for Evaluation
He went on to say: “The Authority has adopted uniform criteria for the formulation and evaluation of all categories of the program, whereby each category will be evaluated in accordance with the nature of the specialized work within each specific category”. He went on to add: “Due to the flexibility and comprehensiveness of these criteria, they will be applied upon all four categories, provided that all data and information relating to the employee is carefully documented in accordance with the nature of his/her work and the category he/she applies to compete within. The criteria are as follows: 30% for accomplishment and 30% for professionalism, then 20% for positiveness and 20% for commitment.” He added: “the “Tastahal” program shall be subjected to a comprehensive assessment process to be conducted by Aon Hewitt; a leading global provider of human resources solutions and consultancies, with which the Authority has concluded a contract for this specific purpose.”
In relation to the mechanisms for refereeing the portfolios nominated for “Tastahal” program awards, the director of the Department of Projects and Programs indicated that it would be undertaken by an impartial refereeing panel involving directors and deputy directors of human resources departments from some entities which are renowned for providing distinguished performance in human resources management such as Emirates Dubai Bank, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Dubai Airports, Road and Transport Authority and Dubai Municipality.”
Financial Rewards
Mr. Ibrahim Fikiri pointed out that to be a winner in this program is considered a high-level accomplishment for federal government employees. The winners are honored by receiving the “Tastahal” Shields, together with generous financial rewards and publishing their names in local and foreign media channels and in FAHR bulletins. He also indicated that the Authority will present Appreciation Certificates to all “Tastahal” program nominees who fail to make it to the honoring podium, which is believed to encourage them to compete in future sessions of the program.
He also mentioned that the Authority has held a number of workshops recently in Abu Dhabi and Dubai which were attended by dozens of directors and deputy directors of human resources departments in federal government ministries and entities to introduce the idea, objectives and participation criteria of “Tastahal” program.
Honoring Sponsors
Towards the end of the ceremony, H.E. Humaid Al-Qatami honored the Tastahal program sponsors; Juma Al-Majid Group, represented by Majid Khalid Bin Juma Al Majid and City Tech group, which was represented by its director-general Mr. Joseph Mansour.