Journey to Transforming HR Practices in the Middle East Through Innovation and Strategy!
In Dubai, where innovation meets tradition, the human element remains the foundation of success. Many firms face difficulty nurturing the talent that propels them forward, rather than simply managing operational procedures.
With a keen understanding of the unique challenges faced by businesses in the Middle East, Hasan Babat has dedicated his career to empowering companies to harness their human capital effectively.
He launched Tuscan Consulting in 2010 and has a passion for transforming organizations through strategic human resource solutions. As a Managing Director, he has carved himself a niche in improving the human resources landscape in the Middle East.
Hasan’s unique approach and commitment to continual improvement have established Tuscan Consulting as a preferred partner for businesses looking to improve their HR operations and drive long-term growth.
With a blend of strategic vision and a thorough understanding of organizational culture, he has become a trusted advisor to several organizations in the GCC and beyond, looking to maximize the potential of their workforce.
With over 18 years of experience, he specializes in transforming organizations, human resource strategy, and talent management, assisting firms in navigating the difficulties of the modern workforce. His significant expertise, combined with a dedication to excellence, has earned him a reputation as an industry leader.
Let’s know more about his journey.
Professional Overview of Hasan’s Career in HR
Hasan has over 20 years of experience in the human resources sector, working with various organizations throughout the UAE, the GCC, and the broader Middle East. His extensive background has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the HR landscape. This recognition of the importance of effective HR management in supporting organizational success led him to specialize in this field.
To further develop his expertise, Hasan has obtained several esteemed qualifications, including SHRM-SCP, GPHR, and CIPD. These credentials have equipped him with the necessary skills to tackle complex HR challenges and implement strategies that align with organizational objectives. His commitment to the field culminated in the founding of Tuscan Consulting, which employs a research-driven approach to deliver practical solutions for optimizing human capital.
Recently, Hasan has expanded into the HR technology sector through Tuscan Infotech, where he has developed Workplus HCM, a flagship product tailored to the needs of HR professionals. This initiative was born from the identification of a significant market gap in existing technology solutions, reflecting his dedication to innovation and excellence in human resources.
Overview of Tuscan Consulting
Tuscan Consulting was established in 2010 in Dubai by Hasan Babat, who aimed to provide high-quality HR consultancy services tailored to the specific needs of organizations in the Middle East. Prior to founding the company, Babat gained extensive experience with reputable corporations across various sectors, which equipped him with valuable insights into the HR challenges that businesses encounter. He noted that while many large firms offered HR services, numerous organizations found it difficult to access solutions that were relevant to their unique contexts, particularly in relation to local practices and culture.
This observation led Babat to transition from his corporate role to establish Tuscan Consulting. The initial phase of the venture was challenging, as he began with limited resources while working from a library. These early experiences underscored the importance of resilience and a commitment to his vision.
Over the years, Tuscan Consulting has developed into a trusted partner for government entities, private enterprises, and multinational corporations across the UAE and GCC. The firm’s success is built on research-based insights, a highly skilled team, and a commitment to delivering customized HR solutions that aim to enhance business performance.
Strategies for Attracting Talent and Ensuring Compliance at Tuscan Consulting
Tuscan Consulting focuses on attracting and retaining top talent by fostering an empowering and inclusive work environment. The organization maintains a non-hierarchical culture that encourages employees to take ownership of their responsibilities and make autonomous decisions. This approach promotes accountability and trust, which can be appealing to professionals seeking a workplace that supports growth and meaningful contributions.
The firm prioritizes continuous learning opportunities and clear career progression paths. Employees are encouraged to ask questions, challenge ideas, and engage in constructive discussions, contributing to a dynamic and innovative atmosphere.
Tuscan Consulting emphasizes its core values, ensuring they guide daily actions and interactions. This commitment reinforces a strong organizational culture that aligns with the company’s mission.
In terms of compliance, Tuscan Consulting possesses expertise in labor laws across the UAE, GCC, and the broader Middle East, which is integral to its operations. As a prominent HR consultancy, the firm advises clients on complex labor issues while ensuring its own compliance.
A robust compliance framework is embedded in daily operations and is continually updated to reflect legal developments. This framework is supported by the HR technology platform, Workplus HCM, which automates compliance processes, including tracking work hours, managing leave, and processing payroll. By leveraging extensive knowledge of labor laws alongside advanced technology, Tuscan Consulting aims to cultivate a transparent, fair, and legally compliant work environment for all employees.
Resolving Employee Relations Issues at Tuscan Consulting
As the Managing Director and CEO, Hasan is responsible for driving business growth, overseeing key client engagements, and nurturing a strong organizational culture. The company’s informal and non-hierarchical structure allows him to remain accessible to all employees, and he occasionally intervenes in employee relations matters when necessary. While team members generally address concerns with their direct managers, they also have the option to approach Hasan directly if they feel it is warranted.
A recent situation involved a disagreement between two senior team members that began to impact their productivity and the overall morale of the team. As the issue escalated, Hasan became involved, facilitated by the company’s open-door policy, which encouraged both employees to approach him with their concerns.
Resolution Process:
To address the situation, Hasan organized a discussion between the two individuals, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and mutual respect. His approach included:
- Listening to Concerns: He took the time to understand each party’s perspective.
- Encouraging Understanding: He guided them in recognizing each other’s viewpoints.
- Facilitating Resolution: He helped them reach a mutually agreeable solution.
The informal and non-hierarchical nature of the organization fostered a candid dialogue, ultimately leading to a positive resolution. This experience highlighted the value of an open and approachable leadership style, which enables direct communication and effective problem-solving.
Measuring HR Effectiveness at Tuscan Consulting
Hasan applies his expertise in human resources to measure the impact of the company’s programs and initiatives. The organization utilizes its proprietary HR technology platform, Workplus HCM, to track key metrics such as employee engagement scores, turnover rates, and time-to-fill for open positions.
By analyzing real-time data from the platform, Hasan makes informed decisions to enhance team performance and satisfaction. As a small, agile organization, the ability to quickly measure and respond to these metrics is crucial for maintaining a high standard of performance, which is essential for the company’s own success and that of its clients.
Hasan leverages his HR knowledge to optimize the company’s internal practices, ensuring operational effectiveness and employee satisfaction. This approach enables the organization to maintain its high-performance standards and deliver quality services to its clients.
Training and Development at Tuscan Consulting
Hasan has cultivated a positive and inclusive work culture that encourages employee engagement and ownership. The company promotes an informal and non-hierarchical environment, which fosters creativity, innovation, and a strong sense of belonging among employees.
Open communication is a key aspect of the company’s culture. Employees are empowered to ask questions, challenge ideas, and engage in healthy debates, ensuring that everyone feels heard and valued. The company’s core values guide interactions and decision-making processes, reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity.
The company has implemented a structured 1-year on-the-job training program specifically designed for HR analysts. The program focuses on critical consulting skills and competencies needed for the business, serving as an apprenticeship that prepares analysts to transition into HR consultant roles. The training is business- and role-specific, practical, and directly linked to the employee’s career growth within the company.
Senior managers actively mentor and develop consultants, ensuring each team member receives personalized guidance and support. This hands-on involvement by leadership enhances the effectiveness of the training and reinforces the commitment to nurturing talent and fostering continuous professional development.
Approach to HR Trends and Performance Management
Hasan serves as the Managing Director of Tuscan Consulting and the CEO of Tuscan Infotech. He emphasizes the importance of remaining informed about current HR trends and best practices. To achieve this, he actively participates in professional networks such as SHRM and CIPD, attends HR conferences, and engages with leading HR publications.
The research-driven methodology at Tuscan Consulting enables the team to continuously monitor emerging trends, positioning them as industry leaders. Additionally, their involvement in HR technology through Tuscan Infotech allows for a connection to advancements in AI and HR analytics.
In addressing challenging performance management scenarios, Hasan adopts a strategy focused on providing employees with increased exposure in areas where they may be underperforming. For instance, if an employee lacks a specific skill, he assigns them to projects that require that skill and pairs them with colleagues who have expertise in those areas.
This approach not only encourages employees to enhance their skills but also promotes a culture of continuous learning and development. Hasan’s effective management of performance issues contributes to employee growth and underscores the organization’s commitment to professional development.
Key Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in HR
Hasan offers valuable guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs in the HR sector, highlighting the significance of persistence in achieving success. He notes that setbacks are a natural part of the entrepreneurial journey, and the ability to recover from these challenges is a key determinant of success.
When he established Tuscan Consulting, Hasan started with limited resources and operated from a library. Despite these constraints, he maintained a strong focus on his objectives. By prioritizing the delivery of high-quality services and the development of innovative products, he was able to build momentum and earn the trust of his clients.
He also underscores the importance of maintaining a positive reputation, encouraging entrepreneurs to engage in ethical practices and make informed decisions. While risk-taking is an essential aspect of entrepreneurship, he advises that actions should consistently reflect core values. By committing to quality and adhering to fundamental principles, entrepreneurs can enhance their recognition and achieve success in their endeavors.
Proven Track Record of Client Success
Tuscan Consulting has established a solid reputation in the GCC and the Middle East for providing customized HR solutions that contribute to measurable business outcomes. Below are several client testimonials that illustrate the company’s impact:
Real Estate Sector
A leading real estate developer in Abu Dhabi, UAE, commended Tuscan Consulting for its professionalism and structured methodology. The company’s work on the compensation and benefits module was noted to have positively influenced employee motivation. The Vice President of Human Resources expressed satisfaction with the quality of Tuscan’s deliverables.
Chemical Manufacturing
A prominent chemical manufacturer in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, recognized Tuscan’s comprehensive understanding of client needs during a leadership assessment project. The HR Director highlighted the professionalism of the assessments, and the valuable insights provided, which are expected to enhance organizational performance.
Not-for-Profit Sector
A not-for-profit technology center in Doha, Qatar, praised Tuscan Consulting for its thoroughness and adaptability in creating a tailored plan. The Chief Human Resources Officer noted that Tuscan effectively defined the strategic roadmap and executed it with precision, achieving all objectives and exceeding expectations.
Government Sector
A leading government entity in Sharjah, UAE, acknowledged Tuscan Consulting’s expertise in policy development, competency frameworks, and performance management systems. The Chief Support Services Officer remarked on Tuscan’s meticulous attention to detail and collaborative approach, which played a crucial role in transforming their HR function.
Construction Industry
A major construction firm in Dubai, UAE, expressed high satisfaction with Tuscan Consulting’s expert guidance, professionalism, and comprehensive HR knowledge throughout their project. The head of HR recommended Tuscan’s services to others seeking professional HR support.
