Encouraging Talent While Aligning Organizational Excellence!
With a sharp eye for talent and a strategic mindset, Juma Beljaflah champions ideas that not only increase employee engagement but also drive organizational success. He realizes that a thriving workforce is the foundation of every successful business, and his efforts contribute to creating environments that support innovation and varied teams.
Human resources have evolved from a merely administrative function to a strategic force that propels growth and innovation. His commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace has established him as a thought leader in the HR sector, with a substantial impact on the organizations he serves.
Juma is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Union Properties, with a strong history in human resources, having worked at Majid Al Futtaim and GMG for two decades. He has effectively implemented innovative HR initiatives that focus on employee growth and well-being.
His skill in HR management, change management, and organizational culture has gained him a reputation as a driving force behind some of the UAE’s most successful workplace cultures. His dedication to ongoing improvement and strategic alignment ensures that HR is an essential partner in attaining long-term corporate success.
Let’s know more about his journey.
Embracing New Horizons: A Chief HR Officer’s Journey
Juma, the Chief HR Officer, has defined his career through a steadfast commitment to people, strategy, and continuous improvement. He finds fulfillment in his work but believes that true growth arises from stepping outside one’s comfort zone.
This conviction drives his motivation to explore new sectors and industries where he can leverage his HR expertise in innovative and impactful ways. The challenges and opportunities found in diverse industries excite him, providing fresh perspectives and the chance to contribute to varied organizational settings.
Directing Dubai’s Skyline with Passion and Innovation
Union Properties, a publicly listed company since 1993, has established itself as a leading real estate developer in Dubai. The company specializes in creating exceptional residential, commercial, industrial, and leisure properties that offer unparalleled quality and value. Despite the challenges posed by the global financial crisis, Union Properties has maintained a proven track record, delivering 25 iconic projects that have left an indelible mark on Dubai’s skyline.
The company’s portfolio boasts some of the most prestigious and innovative developments in the region, including MotorCity, Green Community, Uptown Mirdiff, Index Tower, and Limestone House (DIFC).
Union Properties is more than just a real estate developer; it is a partner in creating exceptional living environments for society. Driven by a passion for excellence, innovation, and sustainability, Union Properties continues to shape Dubai’s future with its visionary projects and commitment to its customers.
HR Digital Transformation
In his role as Chief HR Officer, Juma has successfully driven HR digital transformation initiatives by staying at the forefront of technological trends and continuously evolving HR practices. He recognizes that digital transformation is an ongoing journey that demands a commitment to innovation, agility, and a deep understanding of how technology can support and enhance the organization’s goals.
His experience has reinforced the importance of adapting to the changing landscape of HR. Under his leadership, he has launched the digital retail business school, which aims to equip employees with the necessary skills to thrive in a digitally-driven business environment. By embracing technology and fostering a culture of continuous learning, he has positioned his organization for success in the digital age.
Driving Sustainable Strategies for Organizational Success
Juma has implemented a holistic Employee Value Proposition as a sustainable strategy that has significantly impacted the organization. By addressing the root causes of turnover and disengagement, this strategy focused on career development, work-life balance, culture alignment, and sustainability to create a work environment that met the immediate needs of employees while positioning the organization for long-term success.
This experience reinforced his belief that sustainable strategies are essential for creating resilient organizations that can thrive in today’s competitive model. By prioritizing the well-being and growth of employees, organizations can achieve enduring success, benefiting both their people and their bottom line. His ability to implement impactful, sustainable strategies has been a key factor in driving organizational success throughout his career.
Measuring HR Success Through Key Metrics
Juma employs specific metrics to measure the success of HR initiatives aligned with business objectives. He tracks productivity, employee engagement, talent acquisition, retention, and overall organizational health. These metrics not only reflect the effectiveness of HR initiatives but also ensure alignment with broader business goals, contributing to sustained growth and competitive advantage.
In an era where data-driven decision-making is crucial, these metrics provide essential insights that enable him to serve as a strategic partner in driving business success. By focusing on these key performance indicators, he enhances the organization’s ability to adapt and thrive.
Cultivating a Culture of Innovation
Juma fosters a culture of innovation within his HR team and the larger organization by leading by example, encouraging a growth mindset, promoting collaboration, empowering employees, cultivating diversity, aligning with business goals, and recognizing innovative efforts.
This multifaceted approach creates an environment conducive to creativity and continuous improvement, driving organizational success and competitiveness in the long run.
Championing Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
Juma has employed a range of strategies to champion diversity and inclusion within the workplace, significantly impacting the organization. His initiatives include implementing inclusive recruitment practices, fostering an inclusive culture, and promoting diversity in leadership roles.
By actively recruiting individuals from various nationalities and focusing on increasing female representation in leadership positions, he has created an environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best.
These efforts have not only enhanced employee satisfaction and retention but have also driven innovation, improved decision-making, and strengthened the organization’s brand reputation. As the organization continues to evolve, his commitment to diversity and inclusion remains a cornerstone of its strategy, ensuring that it is well-positioned for long-term success in an increasingly diverse culture. His leadership exemplifies how prioritizing diversity and inclusion can lead to a more resilient, innovative, and competitive organization.
Transforming HR Through a People-Centric Approach
As Chief Human Resources Officer, Juma has led the transformation of an administrative-focused HR function into a people-centric approach. His experience has shown that this shift not only benefits employees but also significantly contributes to the organization’s overall success. By embracing a people-centric HR function, he has positioned HR as a vital partner in achieving business goals and fostering a thriving, innovative workplace.
One of the major transformations he is proud of is leading his team from an HR administrative role to that of an HRBP (Human Resources Business Partner). This strategic shift has enabled HR to work more closely with business units, providing tailored solutions and support to drive organizational growth and employee engagement.
Cultivating High-Performing Teams
Juma focuses on recruiting the right talent, setting clear goals, and fostering collaboration among team members. By investing in employee development and empowering teams with autonomy, he provides strong leadership and promotes a positive organizational culture.
He emphasizes the importance of continuously evaluating performance to sustain outstanding results. He believes that high-performing teams thrive not solely on individual excellence but in an environment where collaboration and mutual support drive collective success. His commitment to these principles fosters a dynamic workplace that consistently achieves exceptional outcomes.
The Strategic Role of HR in Business Growth
Juma believes that HR plays a multifaceted and critical role in driving business growth initiatives. By aligning talent strategies with business goals, fostering a growth-oriented culture, and developing strong leaders, HR enhances employee engagement and leverages data for strategic decision-making.
Supporting organizational change is also essential for HR’s contribution to growth. As businesses navigate an increasingly complex and aggressive panorama, he emphasizes that HR’s strategic involvement in growth initiatives is vital for ensuring that the organization not only grows but thrives in the long term.
Driving Organizational Success Through Succession Planning
Juma believes that succession planning is more than just a risk management tool; it is a strategic imperative that drives organizational success. His experience has shown that a well-designed succession planning strategy can ensure business continuity, enhance employee engagement, and build a strong leadership pipeline.
By focusing on identifying and developing high-potential talent, providing them with the necessary tools and experiences, and fostering a culture of continuous learning, he has leveraged succession planning as a catalyst for sustainable growth. In a rapidly changing business environment, he emphasizes that having a clear and proactive approach to succession planning is essential for any organization aspiring to thrive and succeed in the long term.
Leading Change Management in Digital Transformations
Juma recognizes that in today’s rapidly evolving business domain, digital transformation is essential for competitiveness. He emphasizes HR’s pivotal role as a change driver, ensuring that technology and people align harmoniously for optimal outcomes.
By adopting a thoughtful and strategic approach, he facilitates smooth transitions, empowering employees to adapt effectively while minimizing resistance. His leadership in change management fosters an environment where both technology and personnel contribute to the organization’s success during these critical transformations.
Inclusive Talent Philosophy
In conclusion, his philosophy on talent management and acquisition in a diverse workforce is centered on the belief that diversity is a key driver of innovation, engagement, and success. He believes that by adopting inclusive practices in both recruitment and talent management, organizations can unlock the full potential of their diverse workforce, creating a dynamic and thriving environment where all employees can contribute and succeed. Ultimately, embracing diversity is not just about doing the right thing—it’s about doing the smart thing for the long-term success of the organization.
Aligning HR Strategies with Business Goals
Juma emphasizes the importance of engaging with executive leadership to align HR strategies with overall business goals. He believes that understanding the business terrain and building strong relationships with executives are crucial.
By translating business goals into HR initiatives and effectively communicating HR’s value, he transforms HR from a support function into a strategic partner essential for achieving long-term objectives.
This alignment not only enhances the effectiveness of HR but also ensures that the organization operates cohesively towards shared goals, ultimately driving success and fostering a collaborative work environment.
