Doha: The World Health Organization (WHO) has formally designated Hamad Medical Corporation's (HMC) Employee Wellbeing and Wellness Section within the Human Resources Department as the world's first WHO Collaborating Center for employee wellbeing and workplace health. This designation is set to last for four years and marks a significant institutional achievement for HMC. As a WHO Collaborating Center, the Employee Wellbeing and Wellness Section will work closely with WHO to develop evidence-based approaches that support the health and wellbeing of healthcare workers, aiming to create healthier workplace environments.
According to Qatar News Agency, Mona Shaheen Al Homaiddi, the Chief Human Resources Officer at HMC, expressed pride in this designation, considering it a landmark achievement for both HMC and the State of Qatar. She emphasized that this reflects the strength of their evidence-based wellbeing program, the capability of their personnel, and the commitment of HMC's leadership to protect the health and wellbeing of their workforce. Al Homaiddi stated, "We are honoured to take on this responsibility and look forward to working closely with WHO to share our experience and expertise, support the development of healthier workplaces, and contribute to stronger support for healthcare workers in Qatar and internationally."
The WHO Collaborating Center will focus on three primary areas: supporting WHO's efforts in developing policies, strategies, and protocols for mental health and workplace wellbeing in healthcare settings; building capacity for implementing workplace health and wellbeing interventions through knowledge exchange and training; and supporting WHO's country-level activities on workplace health and wellbeing for health workers.
The designation follows several years of development by HMC's Employee Wellbeing and Wellness Section, including technical engagement with WHO and implementing a comprehensive wellbeing model aligned with the WHO Healthy Workplace framework. This recognition adds to HMC's other WHO Collaborating Centers, such as the Hamad Trauma Center and the Department of Geriatrics and Long-Term Care.
HMC's employee wellbeing programme has also received international recognition from esteemed organizations like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, the Global Centre for Healthy Workplaces, and the International Hospital Federation. These accolades underscore the quality and measurable impact of HMC's approach to employee wellbeing and workplace health.