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Tuesday, November 10 - 2009

Magrudy Enterprises named Emerging SME Best Employer in the Middle East

  • United Arab Emirates: Thursday, May 07 - 2009 at 09:41
  • PRESS RELEASE

Magrudy Enterprises has been recognized as one of the region's leading employers by the Hewitt Best Employers in the Middle East 2009 study.

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The company was named Emerging SME Best Employer in the Middle East at an awards ceremony in Dubai on April 29th. The judges praised Magrudy's work environment, people practices and employee culture, concluding that its employees are proud to be part of the Magrudy's family.

'We are absolutely delighted to be named one of the best employers in the Middle East and it is certainly very gratifying to hear such positive feedback from our staff. We won't rest on our laurels. We have always believed that our employees are our greatest assets and we will continue to nurture their talents and develop each employee's potential.'


said Jeremy Brinton, Chief Executive Officer Magrudy Enterprises LLC.

The study highlighted Magrudy's positive work environment which 'allows employees to feel passion and concern for customers'. Employees were described as operating 'as a family', in an environment where customers of all nationalities, backgrounds, income and educational levels feel welcome. The study also recognized that the firm's motto 'Bringing you only the best' is embodied in the behavior of all employees.

Employees are encouraged to set short term plans (typically across the week). Although these plans are regularly reviewed by line managers, employees are responsible for achieving them. Magrudy's philosophy is that 'mistakes happen' and they are an excellent means of experiential learning.

'Our strategy is to develop an employee-orientated company culture that emphasizes quality, continuous improvement, high performance and personal ongoing development,' said Ivett Keckes, HR Manager, Magrudy Enterprises. 'This high performance and commitment culture is not only good for our staff but its key to our commercial success.'

The study noted that Magrudy's employees take pride in working for a local organization that is growing. Although many processes and programs are still being developed, members of staff are secure in the knowledge that their organization is on the right track.

The study singled out two unique 'people practices' employed by Magrudy's:

Employees are given the opportunity to meet authors and speakers who take part in book signings. Since many employees also join Magrudy's because of their love of reading, these are particularly attractive perks of the job.

Magrudy's encourages socializing outside of work hours and employees have organized BBQs and get-togethers.

Magrudy's was one of 6 multinational companies (MNCs) and 6 regional organizations recognized as Hewitt's Best Employers in the Middle East. Seven characteristics were recognized across Hewitt's Best Employers:

- HR is viewed as an expert people administrator and strategic business partner
- Better career development through manager involvement
- Better benefits are provided to staff
- Better delivery of the employment promise
- Better investments in employee development
- Better at work assignment and performance management.
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About Magrudy Enterprises LLC

Magrudy Enterprises is the leading retailer and distributors of books, toys, stationary and arts and crafts materials in the UAE. Established in 1975, the family-owned business now operates a total of 8 shops (6 in Dubai, 1 in Abu Dhabi and 1 in Al Ain), employing more than 300 people. Magrudy's is actively engaged in discussions with local partners across the Middle East and Africa region to develop new Magrudy's franchises.

Magrudy's operates a wholesale business supplying a wide range of businesses including Dubai Duty Free, Toys R Us and Spinneys supermarkets. In 2002, Magrudy's set up Magrudy's Educational Resource Centre (MERC) to meet the needs of the UAE's educational community.

Magrudy's is active in encouraging reading among Emirati nationals and expatriate residents, setting up book clubs for adults and children, inviting authors for book-signings and workshops and working closely with local schools and charities to promote reading as a path to knowledge. Magrudy's has strong environment credentials and was one of the first retailers in the UAE to introduce jute carrier bags. The company is also associated with the "Plant a Million Trees Campaign" in the UAE.

Magrudy's was the official bookshop behind the highly successful 2009 Emirates Airline International Festival of Literature.

About Hewitt Best Employers in the Middle East 2009

The study involves surveying the participating organizations using three instruments developed by Hewitt which are:

- The Employee Opinion Survey (to gauge the level of employee engagement and gather information on employee perceptions of their work environment),

- The People Practices Inventory™ (to gather information about philosophies, practices, and policies that influence the management of people), and

- The CEO Questionnaire (to explore the alignment between business strategy and people policies).

- Hewitt reported 250+ registrations of interest from organizations across Hospitality, Manufacturing, Banking and Financial Services, Real Estate and Infrastructure, Retail, Telecom and Government services sectors. Through the initiative, Hewitt Associates aims to contribute to the ongoing efforts of regional governments to create an economic environment that is conducive to growth and yet meets the aspirations of individuals seeking positive work environments. The Hewitt study, which was launched last summer, realized its promised goal and became the largest employee research project ever undertaken in the Middle East region.

The study is now the definitive source of employee and human capital research across the Middle East region, with the largest benchmark database on Employee Engagement, Organization Culture, Nationalization, High-Performance, Leadership Development and many other People Practices.

For more information, please contact:

Gillian Bourke
PR & Communications Manager
Magrudy Enterprises LLC
P.O. Box 1155 Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 (04) 344 4192
Fax: +971 (04) 344 4954

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