Innovo earns Top Employer UAE 2025 recognition for people-first culture

By Mariam Azmy, Chief People Officer, Innovo

In construction, success is often measured in numbers – manhours, square footage, delivery timelines. But behind every statistic is a workforce whose welfare determines whether those numbers hold meaning. Too often, welfare is discussed as compliance, rules, and audits. In truth, it is the foundation on which every safe, productive, and sustainable project is built.

At Innovo, we have made wellbeing a strategic priority and a principle embedded in how we build. We have been consistently recognised for our efforts by regulatory authorities and clients, reaffirming our dedication to a safe and respectful work environment. We were certified as a Top Employer UAE 2025 by the globally renowned Top Employers Institute, a recognition that validates our people-first culture, collaborative spirit, and commitment to creating a supportive environment where our people can thrive. For the construction sector, where welfare is often reduced to compliance, this achievement highlights how a people-driven approach can set new benchmarks for the industry. For us, an accomplishment of this kind represents a culture of care.

This culture is reinforced by our Employee Care Programme, which provides employees and their families with a wide spectrum of support, from regular health check-ups to confidential counselling and wellness coaching. Dedicated life coaches work with individuals to set career goals, while work-life services connect families with childcare, elder care, or day-to-day resources. Through the Aware mindfulness programme, employees can also access guided stress management sessions to build resilience in a demanding industry. These benefits sit alongside traditional safety measures, making welfare both practical and holistic.

Wellbeing also means creating space for connection and community. Monthly fitness challenges, in collaboration with gyms and sport studios, invite employees across sites to take part in accessible strength and cardio activities. These sessions are designed for all fitness levels and promote teamwork as much as health. In addition, we organise sports days to bring staff and their families together through football, padel, and tennis tournaments alongside family-friendly activities. These are deliberate efforts to build bonds, boost morale, and create the kind of inclusive culture that sustains performance over the long term.

Technology is another key aspect for workforce welfare. Our HSE system monitors workforce activity in real time, enabling supervisors to respond immediately to risks. Weekly safety training and Safe Work Method Statements (SWMs) ensure that risk management is not theoretical but part of daily routines. This combination of culture and technology is why Innovo has achieved millions of manhours with zero Lost Time Injuries (LTI) across all our projects.

Looking at the sector more broadly, welfare is no longer optional. With mega-projects shaping the future of the UAE, a people-first approach must become the standard. A project cannot be considered successful if it compromises the wellbeing of the people delivering it. Structured wellness programmes strengthen project delivery, and build trust with the communities where we operate.

At Innovo, we take immense care of our people, ensuring that they feel both personally and professionally supported. As the UAE pursues its ambitious national visions, this approach will define which companies and projects will set the benchmark for sustainable growth.

Source: constructionweekonline.com