Overview

EFG Hermes continues to fortify its position as the leading financial services corporation across FEMs through the unwavering efforts of its people. We work to continuously perfect our people management by means of a strategic talent acquisition process, world-class development programs, and a fastidious focus on employee servicing and satisfaction. Our people continue to be the driving force behind the Firm’s increasing successes, as we continue to harness the brain power of more than 4,400 employees in driving growth across our footprint.

Our dedicated and skilled Human Resources (HR) team – which boasts seven SHRM Certified Professionals – works diligently to develop programs and enhance processes and policies to support the Firm’s business expansion. By constantly raising the bar and a deep commitment to excellence with every passing year, the HR team remains a pillar of the Firm.

With presence in 13 markets across four continents as well as being home to employees from even more geographies, the HR team consistently exerts its efforts for the benefit of employees and Firm alike.

Highlights of 2019

As the Firm continues to expand, HR is challenged to expand its mindset and approach to accommodate an expanding workforce, be it geographic or NBFI-related. We are constantly challenged to innovate both operationally and strategically and 2019 was no exception, seeing innovations in our learning and development strategy, our development programs, our talent management practices as well as our continuing integration with Tanmeyah

Catering to a Diverse Workforce

Our geographical integration for 2019 was our newly acquired operation in Nigeria, which represented uncharted waters for HR and required a quick and thorough ramp up of our knowledge of the Nigerian labor market, local laws, regulations, norms, and service providers.

The implementation of talent management frameworks in Tanmeyah was another key focus in 2019 that will serve as a basis for much of the remaining areas of integration. The talent management team was able to develop a corporate level framework and competency models well-suited to the nature of Tanmeyah, and also in sync with the Group’s approach

Employee Development

We’re especially proud of our change in strategy on the learning and development front, where we’ve handed over the reins of growth to our employees. Our Development Needs Assessment (DNA) now puts employees in the driver’s seat when it comes to their learning, and our DNA Architects help them map out their growth course, in conjunction with their line managers and in line with the department’s strategy. In addition to any development requirements outlined during performance appraisals, an employee’s DNA serves as the blueprint for their learning opportunities each year. The 2019 launch involved a three-day event in the Firm’s headquarters in Cairo, with smart sessions being streamed live to other locations, and sessions with DNA Architects scheduled virtually, allowing employees in all EFG Hermes locations the opportunity to participate.

The Academy programs continue to push the envelope, bringing new assessment techniques to the Firm, and new learning styles. The first class of the Leadership Development Programme (LDP) was selected in 2019, through the administration of an assessment center administered by Willis Towers Watson — the first time EFG Hermes has utilized this selection methodology, which is now firmly embedded in our selection toolbox. The five-day residential program was held in El Gouna and was designed and delivered by the world-renowned Center for Creative Leadership (CCL).

Performance Management Enhancements

EFG Hermes also recalibrated its approach to employee appraisals in 2019. Aiming for a more streamlined approach, simpler methods of assessment and time optimization, the team delivered on its mandate and successfully completed the Firm’s annual appraisal cycle in four weeks (down from 12+ in previous years). The new methodology placed a strong emphasis on the appraisal meeting, and managers received hands on training and coaching at the hands of the international learning provider Vantage Partners.

Outlook for 2020

As EFG Hermes continues to grow in footprint, business lines, and employee numbers, it becomes critical for HR to refine its policies, programs, and response times. 2020 will see the team focus on reassessing policies and programs to ensure they appropriately support the ever-evolving EFG Hermes in all locations and business lines. We hope to digitize more services to give the HR team more time to work on value-add projects. We will continue to refine our DNA strategy and will launch more Academy programs. We will also refine our talent acquisition strategy, and in doing so, will also initiate an Employer Branding project, which we hope will translate into a multiplicity of benefits that will impact all areas of HR and beyond.