National Bank of Fujairah enhances employee wellbeing with AXA ICAS
NBF is first local UAE bank to provide staff round-the-clock access to professional and confidential counselling services
National Bank of Fujairah has unveiled an employee wellbeing programme (EWP) aimed at improving staff work-life balance. This initiative, the first of its kind for a local bank, is carried out in conjunction with AXA ICAS, a leading provider of employee wellbeing services operating in over 38 countries.
The key feature of the programme is a free and confidential counselling service that seeks to empower staff to better navigate issues faced in everyday life. Staff and immediate family members can utilise the service either in person or over the phone, and will have round-the-clock access to qualified counsellors from psychologists to independent financial advisors.
The service also includes an interactive multilingual online portal that offers personalised health risk assessments along with relevant information for making well-informed choices for improving physical and psychological wellbeing.
Paul Firth, AXA ICAS' Head of Wellbeing Services for the Gulf and Middle East said that NBF's programme is another milestone for corporate wellbeing services in the UAE and the GCC: "Although the concept of employee assistance and psychological wellbeing is a new one in this region, it is a widely accepted practice in the USA and across Western Europe and in major multinational companies around the world.
"NBF's introduction of EWP not only demonstrates a commitment to staff's personal and professional aspirations, but its progressive approach towards HR strategic policy."
NBF CEO Vince Cook said that the wellbeing programme is a logical extension of the bank's efforts to enhance its overall competitiveness: "Our success hinges on the dedication and professionalism of every member of the NBF team so it makes perfect sense to establish a support framework that would help staff cope with the everyday challenges of our fast paced world.
"From a personal standpoint, it is always disheartening to hear how people have been unable to address their personal issues in a timely manner because of inadequate access to good financial, legal or relationship advice. NBF's confidential counselling service will help us take care of our people and ensure they always have help available, should it ever be necessary."
Abdulla Aleter, NBF's Head of HR, said that the bank's EWP will reinforce its reputation as an employer of choice for expatriates and Emiratis alike: "Health is certainly wealth as far as we are concerned, and NBF's new counselling service, which comes in English and Arabic, not only strengthens the foundations for a culture of openness and mutual support within the workplace, but signals our ongoing support of national development.
"We hope that by further demonstrating our commitment to staff welfare, our colleagues - and their families - would be even more proud to call NBF home."
About National Bank of Fujairah PSC:
Incorporated in 1982, National Bank of Fujairah PSC (NBF) is a full services corporate bank with strong wholesale banking and trade finance expertise. Leveraging its deep banking experience and market insight within Fujairah and the UAE, NBF is well-positioned to build lasting relationships with its clients and help them achieve their business goals.
NBF's key shareholders include the Government of Fujairah, the Government of Dubai and business pioneer and community leader H.E. Sir Easa Saleh Al Gurg, KCVO, CBE. It is listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange under the symbol "NBF" and has a branch network of 14 across the UAE.