The Economic Development Board (EDB) and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry are working together to seek overseas businesses as investors in Bahrain. There are many advantages in such an action. But are there also pitfalls? In this series of articles, Patrick Dornan, managing partner of CCMI (Bahrain) WLL, explores the pros and cons.

How Businesses are dealing with Bahrainisation.

Education, Health Services, Municipal Development, and the Infrastructure have all been established and constantly improved. Over the last twenty years Bahrain has seen its own citizens grow into many jobs at all levels and especially in senior positions.
Literacy levels are now among the highest in the region and many school leavers have the chance to complete tertiary education both at home and overseas.
The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs has developed career and vocational training programmes financed through the Training Levy Scheme.
Although there is still an unemployment problem it is generally true to say that Bahrain is now able to be self sufficient apart from those unskilled manual jobs that many parents deem to be unsuitable for their children. All these changes are leading to a need for changes of attitudes especially for privately owned business organizations and others in the commercial sector.
Recently, the Government of Bahrain announced a change in the sponsorship rules for expatriates. It is now much easier for employees to change sponsors and thus the marker has become more flexible.
At the same time the Government is encouraging the private sector to employ more citizens. This has raised a number of employment issues.
The key issue is related to expectations both of the employee and the employer.  As educated citizens in a newly created democracy, many young citizens expect to receive further training, both in the classroom and on the job. They have career ambitions and seek for promotion and advancement. They also demand a decent wage for their efforts. However, it should be noted in support of the employers that some young citizens are over ambitious. They expect to proceed on a fast track rather than taking the long path upwards that had to be trod by their fathers and predecessors.
Having no contract ties to their employer many citizens are very quick to change jobs or decide to start their own similar businesses. So, how is it possible to get the best our of them?
The solution lies in motivation, job ownership, recognition, and accountability.
Why do some organizations have high turnover while others maintain their "family" over extended periods?
I recently came across the following tips for employers and think they are well worth listing here, and of course putting into practice.

• It costs far more to recruit a new employee than it does to keep a trained one. So cherish them. Keep them informed. Make them part of the Organization and let them know that you value them.

• Don't forget that an employee's needs change with time. Talk to each member of your team regularly. Find out their ambitions and desires. Ensure that they tell you about their career hopes - not a competitor.

• First impressions last, sometimes for ever. From Day 1 ensure that the new employee is made to feel comfortable and part of the family. Make sure you meet with him/her and that they know where you door is, but also emphasize the need to conform to the "chain of command".

• Ensure that the new employee knows his/her role and how to carry out their tasks. Show them where
  to get advice and make them feel part of the team.

• When recruiting new employees ask your existing staff for recommendations. People who play together often work well together.

• When an employee leaves, try and find out why.

• Have trust in your employees, and show it. Empowerment, delegation, responsibility and accountability all help in building good teams and develop relationships.

In conclusion, it should be noted that favourable employment conditions will be of more benefit to gaining commitment than a tied Labour force. An important point to inspire the employer to succeed in this is the simple fact that employing citizens ensures that most of the employee's salary will be spent in the local economy rather than being exported to the benefit of the expatriate's home country, Not only will the human asset of Bahrain increase, but so will the economy.

For advice on operating a business in Bahrain - contact Patrick Dornan on +973 17402624 and don't forget to tell them that you found their details www.newarabia.net.

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