The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated Qatar’s Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Employee Wellbeing and Wellness Section as its first global Collaborating Center for Employee Wellbeing and Workplace Health.
The designation covers a four-year term. It gives HMC a formal role in supporting WHO efforts to improve workplace health and employee wellbeing.
The section operates under HMC’s Human Resources Department. It will work with WHO on evidence-based strategies for healthier workplaces. The work will focus on the physical and mental wellbeing of healthcare workers.
HMC to work with WHO on workplace wellbeing
The new status builds on HMC’s work to develop a structured employee wellbeing programme.
The programme follows the WHO Healthy Workplace framework. It also reflects years of technical collaboration between HMC and WHO.
As part of its new role, HMC will share its experience and expertise with WHO. The partnership will also support the development of workplace health strategies for healthcare workers in Qatar and other countries.
Mona Shaheen Al-Homaiddi, Chief Human Resources Officer at HMC, said the designation reflects the organisation’s focus on evidence-based employee wellbeing.
“This designation is a proud achievement for HMC and the State of Qatar,” said Al-Homaiddi.
She added that the recognition reflects the strength of HMC’s wellbeing programme and the capability of its workforce.
“We are honoured to take on this responsibility,” Al-Homaiddi said. “We 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.”
HMC expands its WHO collaborating centre network
The employee wellbeing section is now the third WHO Collaborating Center at HMC.
Hamad Trauma Center operates as a WHO Collaborating Center on Trauma. Meanwhile, HMC’s Department of Geriatrics and Long-Term Care serves as a WHO Collaborating Center for Healthy Ageing and Dementia.
The latest designation therefore adds workplace wellbeing to HMC’s existing areas of international collaboration.
Focus on healthier workplaces and healthcare workers
The designation comes as employee wellbeing becomes a growing focus for healthcare organisations.
Healthcare workers can face demanding workloads and high-pressure working environments. Therefore, workplace health programmes can play an important role in supporting staff wellbeing.
HMC’s model is built around the WHO Healthy Workplace framework. The organisation said its wellbeing initiatives have also received international recognition.
These include recognition from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the Global Centre for Healthy Workplaces and the International Hospital Federation.
The new WHO designation gives HMC a wider platform to share its approach to employee wellbeing. It also strengthens Qatar’s role in international workplace health initiatives.
