Tuesday August 15th, 2017

• What is this initiative? Who are the beneficiaries? What positive effects does it leave on the employees?

 The “Sunday Smile” initiative was launched by the HR Department at Sharjah International Airport to make the employees happy and to enable them to effectively perform their work. Sunday was specifically chosen for the implementation of this initiative because it is the first work day after the weekend and this day is usually tough for the employees. We wanted to cheer the employees up and encourage them to start the week off happily because it is first day in the business week that should be efficiently and happily performed in order not to negatively affect the relationship between the colleagues and users. The employees responded well to the initiative and received it enthusiastically and joyfully.

• Are there any similar initiatives that are consistent with the wise leadership of the UAE to achieve the vision of “the happiest nation” with the establishment of Ministry of State for Happiness?

 We are constantly working to respond to and interact with the instructions of our wise leadership that provides the people of the UAE with all elements of happiness. We are keen on making happiness a priority and a distinct feature in the workforce so that we feel it deep inside and reflect it on others, the people around us and the users we deal with. There are other initiatives under progress which will be announced shortly.

 What is the department responsible for under this initiative? What are the mechanisms of its implementation?

This initiative was launched by the HR Department at Sharjah International Airport Authority. Every Sunday morning, some employees from HR visit a department of Sharjah International Airport and give some simple gifts to the employees of that department as an appreciation of their efforts. These gifts may be breakfast, flowers, and other simple things. This initiative has indeed made the employees happy and made them look forward to the weekly visits.

• Does the spread of happiness raise the rate of contributions and efforts as well as the positive energy of employees?

Of course! We have noticed an increase in the rate of contributions and efforts as well as the positive energy of employees on Sundays and on other days as well. The heads of the departments where the “Sunday Smile” initiative is implemented call us to say thank you and to confirm their support of the initiative for its influence on making the employees happy as well as motivating them to perform their jobs to the best of their ability.