As the demand for highly skilled talent rises worldwide, organisations like VFS Global are swiftly embracing skill mobility through recruitment, training, and various employee engagement initiatives. This approach is not only one of the most effective methods for retaining valued talent but also for transforming a global organisation into a thriving workplace. 

VFS Global, known as one of the most successful platforms enabling global talent mobility, employs more than 8,000 workers globally. The question arises: What makes VFS Global highly valued in terms of work culture, work-life balance, and career opportunities? In an interview with People Matters, Tariq Ahmad, Head of Empowerment and Inclusion, UAE at VFS Global, revealed some of the most effective strategies that any global organisation with a diverse workforce can employ to transform into a thriving workplace. Some of the key strategies for making a global organisation successful include:

1. Fostering an inclusive work culture by instilling a sense of belonging through DEI initiatives.
2. Offering learning and development opportunities to ensure the right talent is in the right role.
3. Leadership development through investment in innovation and expertise.
4. Aligning HR strategies with sustainability strategies, including ESG compliance.
5. Making employee wellbeing, DEI, and employee empowerment the key pillars of the company culture.

Here are the edited excerpts from the interaction:

Can you provide an overview of VFS Global’s dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive  work culture? Can you share DEI strategies that address the diverse needs of a global  workforce? 

As a truly global organisation with operations in over 140 countries and employees from over 100 nationalities, VFS Global remains deeply committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work culture.  Our approach to DEI is holistic and centres around a sense of belonging, with key principles that  value diversity, equity, inclusion, and transparency while actively combating modern slavery. This is  operationalised through a strategic approach encompassing four main pillars: 

• Reducing the employment gap 
• Enabling awareness and internal training sessions 
• Diversifying the supply chain 
• Supporting diverse communities

This is further enhanced by inclusive leadership, behaviourally inclusive practices, strategies that are  agile, caring, and transparent, comprehensive learning programmes, and adherence to the UN Global Compact's principles. Coupled with the attainment of the highest People Maturity Model certification,  which demonstrates a commitment to improving people processes in line with business goals, we constantly aim to ensure a fair, inclusive, and motivating work environment for everyone.  

In the context of 'Equal Opportunity in Employment,' what effective strategies does VFS Global  employ to build a sense of belonging, purpose, and opportunity? How does VFS Global  incorporate the 'right talent in the right role' approach into its work culture? 

At VFS Global, it's not just about filling seats; it's about embracing each unique spark of talent. Our Human Resources team carefully shortlists and selects the right talent, both from within and outside the organisation, for each role.

Our Learning & Organisational Development team leads strong  programmes that equip employees with operational and vocational skills that help prepare them for the roles they undertake, and prepare them for larger roles within the organisation, fostering an environment of  growth.  

We also have a VFS Global Women’s Network that focuses efforts on the upskilling and empowerment of women colleagues in the workforce, providing them mentorship programmes and  preparing them for leadership opportunities.  

VFS Global provides a work culture where learning is as constant as change, and where your journey  is interwoven with the company's growth. That's the VFS Global way - where the 'right talent in the right role' isn't just a strategy, it's a celebration of potential. 

What innovative approaches and resources does VFS Global implement to foster a culture of  continuous learning and support ongoing education and skill development for employees?  How does it nurture the 'leaders of tomorrow' in this evolving landscape? 

In the dynamic landscape of VFS Global, continuous learning and skill development are more than objectives; they are part of the organisation's DNA.

• The firm's Learning Management System,  MyLearningSpace, and its extensive video learning platform, VideoTube, provide flexible and accessible resources for personal and professional development. 
• These initiatives collectively nurture  the 'leaders of tomorrow', ensuring that VFS Global's workforce remains at the forefront of innovation  and expertise. 

To ensure VFS Global's sustainable success, what HR initiatives contribute to the company's  overall success and innovation? 

VFS Global's HR initiatives align with their comprehensive sustainability strategy, which integrates  ESG factors into the core of their operations.

The company's long-term strategy focuses on five  pillars: sustainable economic growth, good governance, nurturing colleagues, environmental  protection, and community support. These pillars include a considerable emphasis on DEI, employee  empowerment and wellbeing, and impact on the environment through employee volunteering efforts. 

How has the COVID-19 pandemic influenced VFS Global's approach to employees and the  company's culture, including challenges and solutions? Are there any upcoming HR, learning  and development, or culture initiatives you can share? 

At VFS Global, we have navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic with agility and an  unwavering commitment to safety, setting a benchmark for operational resilience. Our readiness is  underpinned by comprehensive health protocols in our Visa Application Centres, reflecting our  dedication to protecting employees and customers alike. 

Looking ahead, we continue to fortify our HR and development frameworks, ensuring our workforce remains equipped and empowered. This steadfast approach not only safeguards our present but also  solidifies our future, demonstrating our capability to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity. Our  preparation extends beyond immediate measures to encompass a strategic vision for continual  learning, employee wellbeing, and organisational flexibility, reinforcing VFS Global's stature as a  formidable entity in the industry.