Michael is the Director of Internal Audit for Capital Projects at NEOM. His career spans 40 years in the MENA region with 17 years being in Saudi Arabia. Michael has a global Capital Projects delivery background working on many Iconic Giga projects, extending across the full project lifecycle, from Master-planning to O&M, within the Civil Infrastructure, Oil and Gas (Onshore and Offshore), Petrochemical and Government sectors. We are delighted that he will be speaking at our Wellbeing at Work Summit Middle East in February.
We caught up with Mike to find out how he’s feeling in the run up to the summit.
Hi Mike, we are thrilled you will be speaking at our Wellbeing at Work Middle East Summit in February. Our first and most important question is, how are you doing today?
I am doing great thanks! I am very grateful for what I am part of and what I have around me.
As a leader based in the region, what are the main challenges you are facing when it comes to employee wellbeing?
I work on a program where we have just achieved the milestone of 100 nationalities being part of NEOM. The main challenges facing employee wellbeing are centred around creating an environment where it is okay to talk about your mental health and wellbeing without retaliation or judgement. We must be sensitive to all cultures and backgrounds.
What strategies have you seen developing over the past 6 months, both internally and externally, that is moving the dial on wellbeing in the workplace?
Raising awareness (LinkedIn)
Why is employee wellbeing so important to you personally?
Wellbeing is linked to health. I also believe that good health is a key factor in navigating our everyday life. Both allow us to process changes, manage challenges and difficulties which are presented in a much better way, potentially resulting in better solutions.
What are you most looking forward to about the Summit in February?
I am looking forward to meeting and networking with like-minded people and learning more about this topic and what is being done in practical terms.
Tell us, what is your vision for the future workplace, in terms of engagement, health and wellbeing?
A transition to full engagement; no more just talking about it, demonstrating it as part of normal working operations.
What areas do you think employers should be focused on over the next 12 months?
Mental health
Mike will be speaking will be speaking in Riyadh at the Wellbeing at Work Summit Middle East which takes place both live and in-person in Riyadh and Dubai, and virtually for the wider region. Further details on the Summit can be found here.
