VOX POPS / 04 Aug 2024

What millennials want

Holistic view delivers for Gen Y

GAC Qatar has been named among the top employers for millennials in the Middle East.

Part of Great Place to Work® Middle East initiative, the Best Workplaces for Millennials™ – GCC 2024 list highlights 100 companies of all sizes across the region that excel in fulfilling Gen Y's need for a sense of purpose in the workplace. GAC Qatar was ranked No.21 in the category for medium-sized companies.

Rank 21 GAC Qatar Best Workplaces for Millennials ️ GCC 2024 Certificate

Rebels
According to consultancy The Future Laboratory, the first generation to use the internet as children are now hitting their prime earning years while rebelling against traditional nominated life paths.

Compared to previous generations, they are late achievers when it comes to conventional life stages and are experiencing an ongoing wellbeing crisis. But they are also characterised as positive financial movers, work-flexers, wellness boosters and eco-collectivists.

They want more from their careers than status and salary – and smart companies like GAC Qatar are listening to their needs.

"We have worked hard to create a dynamic and inclusive workplace where the unique skills and talents of every generation are valued,” says Jacob Rubensson, GAC Qatar’s General Manager.

“Our millennial colleagues make up a growing proportion of our workforce, and their energy and innovative ideas are pushing us to further success. It’s therefore important to understand what’s important to them and respond to their needs.”

Balance
Those born from the early 1980s to mid-1990s pioneer the use of technology, emphasise collaboration and are purpose-driven, whilst putting a high premium on work-life balance.

“Those traits, when well combined, bring about work efficiency and wellbeing - and what’s good for our employees is good for our organisation,” says HR & Administration Manager Hristina Georgieva. “That’s why we encourage a corporate culture where everyone is welcome to share feedback, have millennials in key roles leading diverse teams and work to bring out the best of all age groups.”

We asked some of GAC Qatar’s millennials what matters to them in the workplace and how the company meets their expectations. Here’s what they said:

Noushad Kuttikkattil, Shipping Executive
“GAC Qatar offers flexible working arrangements and supports a healthy balance between work and personal life. It also invests in the continuous growth of its employees by providing training programmes and career advancement opportunities.

“The company values open communication, teamwork, and recognition of employee achievements, fostering a sense of belonging and support and a stable, secure work environment. Transparent communications about its business outlook and employment policies play an important role in that.

01 Noushad Kuttikkattil

“GAC ensures that its workspaces are safe, comfortable, and well-equipped, continually maintaining and improving its facilities to support employee well-being and productivity.”

Monicah Njeri, Receptionist - Human Resources
“My priorities are work-life balance and job security. In GAC Qatar you are guaranteed job security, our requests are taken seriously and smooth processing of documents gives peace of mind.

“Flexibility of working hours creates a good work-life balance. Management understands and are willing to adjust when you have family emergencies.”

02 Monicah Njeri cropped

Pragash Mahathevan, Move Coordinator - International Moving Department
It’s the family-like feeling, being there and taking care of each other in the ups and downs.

"GAC Qatar has provided me that feeling and job security during the time when I needed it the most, engaged with me through proper direct communication.”

04 Pragash Mahathevan

April Rose Lumagui, Accountant
“We spent 40% or more of our day at work, so we are lucky to be part of a Company that supports a healthy life-work balance.

“GAC is not always about work. The company looks after our overall wellbeing with extracurricular activities such as yoga classes, blood donation, sports activities, employee gatherings, and the like. Whenever possible, it conducts timely and relevant seminars such as seminar on mental health awareness, or some basic stretching exercises that we can do at work.”

03 April Rose Lumagui

Stephen Elorm Tse, Customer Service Representative, Freight Services Department
“Trust exists between Management and employees, which allows employees to work with commitment and confidence.

“Management ensures GAC Qatar is one of the safest places to work and ensures that all building facilities and their environs are kept extremely clean and are work-friendly.

“Everyone is encouraged where of diversity, gender balance and religious tolerance is promoted.”

05 Stephen Elorm Tse cropped

Ibrahim Rezk, Customs Clearance Representative
“Feeling respected at our workplace is one of the best predictors of employee satisfaction.

"At GAC Qatar, we have a positive work environment, with rewards and recognition makes us valued and respected in our workplace.”

06 Ibrahim Rezk

Suhail Kallumurikkal, Senior Inventory Controller – Contract Logistics
“GAC Qatar has fostered a culture that makes employees feel valued, respected and supported. Leadership guides and supports the employees. Every employee can contribute to the processes that determine the company's goals. Doors are always open to hear our opinions and assist us when we have difficulties making decisions.

07 Suhail Kallumurikkal

“The company strives to improve employee job satisfaction, promotes career advancement, prioritise health and safety issues, provides continual training for improvement, and adheres to protocol.

“Above all, GAC promotes diversity and inclusiveness by bringing together employees from many cultures throughout the world to work as a family, regardless of colour, gender, nationality, age, and so on.”

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