Equal Treatment Policy

Policy Overview: 

At NEXUS OFS, we are committed to providing a working environment that promotes fairness, equality, and respect for all employees, regardless of their race, gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. This Equal Treatment Policy ensures that everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and is given equal opportunities to thrive within the company. 

This policy applies to all employees and candidates, and it reflects our commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and productive working environment in compliance with the laws of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), including the UAE Labour Law and relevant anti-discrimination regulations. 

Harassment and Bullying: 

NEXUS OFS has a zero-tolerance policy for any form of harassment or bullying in the workplace. Harassment or bullying can take many forms, including verbal abuse, physical intimidation, and unfair treatment based on an individual’s protected characteristics such as race, gender, religion, or disability. 

  • Harassment is defined as unwanted conduct related to any of the protected characteristics that creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment. 
  • Bullying is the misuse of power to intimidate or demean an individual, resulting in an emotionally harmful or distressing experience. 

Both harassment and bullying are strictly prohibited under UAE Labour Law and will not be tolerated at NEXUS OFS. Employees who experience or witness harassment or bullying are encouraged to report the incident immediately, and appropriate action will be taken. 

Disciplinary Measures: 

Any employee who violates the Equal Treatment Policy may be subject to disciplinary measures, which could include verbal or written warnings, suspension, or dismissal. Disciplinary action will depend on the severity of the violation and will be handled in accordance with UAE Labour Law, which ensures that employees’ rights are protected during disciplinary procedures. 

Scope of the Policy: 

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, trainees, and anyone involved in the operations of NEXUS OFS, whether working at the office, remotely, or at any off-site locations. It is relevant in all contexts of employment, including recruitment, training, promotion, and disciplinary procedures. 

Terms and Conditions of Employment: 

NEXUS OFS ensures that all terms and conditions of employment are applied equally, without discrimination. Employees will not be treated less favorably due to characteristics such as race, religion, gender, disability, or other legally protected categories. All employees should be informed of their rights, responsibilities, and the expectations of the organization at the beginning of their employment. 

Recruitment and Selection: 

At NEXUS OFS, we are committed to providing equal opportunities to all candidates during the recruitment and selection process. We ensure that recruitment practices are fair, transparent, and based solely on the skills, qualifications, and abilities of candidates. We do not discriminate on the grounds of race, gender, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic. 

The recruitment process will include: 

    • Equal job opportunities for all candidates. 
    • Non-discriminatory job advertisements and descriptions. 
    • Transparent selection criteria based on relevant skills and qualifications. 
    • Reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities to ensure fair assessment. 

Promotion: 

Promotions at NEXUS OFS are based on merit, skills, performance, and business needs. All employees, regardless of their background, will have equal access to promotion opportunities. Discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics will not influence promotion decisions. 

Training and Development: 

NEXUS OFS is dedicated to ensuring equal access to training and development opportunities for all employees. All employees are encouraged to pursue professional growth and are provided with opportunities to enhance their skills. We ensure that no employee is denied training or development opportunities on the basis of their race, gender, religion, disability, or other protected characteristics. 

We will provide: 

    • Equal access to development programs. 
    • Regular performance reviews to assess employee development needs. 

Support for employees in achieving their career goals.

Disciplinary and Grievance: 

In the event of a grievance regarding any aspect of employment, including perceived unfair treatment, discrimination, or harassment, NEXUS OFS encourages employees to address these issues promptly. Grievances should be handled according to the grievance procedure outlined in the employee handbook. 

Employees have the right to: 

    • File a formal grievance if they believe they have been subjected to discrimination, harassment, or bullying. 
    • Appeal decisions made during disciplinary actions if they believe the outcome was unfair. 

UAE Labour Law ensures that all employees have the right to file grievances without fear of retaliation. 

Performance appraisals at NEXUS OFS are conducted fairly and objectively, based on each individual’s contribution, skills, and achievements. We do not allow biases or discrimination to affect performance assessments, and we ensure that all feedback provided is constructive and aimed at supporting personal development. 

Employees will: 

    • Be assessed based on their actual performance and results. 
    • Receive clear, constructive feedback to help them improve and develop in their roles. 
    • Be given opportunities to address any performance issues in a supportive environment. 

Termination of Employment: 

NEXUS OFS ensures that all terminations of employment, whether voluntary or involuntary, are handled with fairness, dignity, and in compliance with UAE Labour Law. Termination decisions will be based on objective reasons such as performance, conduct, or business needs and will not be influenced by discriminatory practices. 

Employees have the right to challenge unfair dismissal through the grievance and appeal procedures. 

Responsibilities of Managers: 

Managers at NEXUS OFS play a vital role in ensuring equal treatment within the organization. They are responsible for: 

    • Promoting and enforcing this Equal Treatment Policy within their teams. 
    • Leading by example and treating all employees with fairness and respect. 
    • Ensuring all employees are aware of their rights under this policy. 
    • Taking immediate action if any form of harassment, bullying, or discrimination is reported or observed. 

Responsibilities of all Colleagues: 

All employees at NEXUS OFS are expected to: 

    • Treat colleagues with dignity and respect, regardless of differences. 
    • Follow the principles outlined in this Equal Treatment Policy. 
    • Report any instances of discrimination, harassment, or bullying to management, human resources, or through the designated grievance channels. 

Communications and Colleague Signature: 

To ensure the effectiveness of this policy, NEXUS OFS will communicate the Equal Treatment Policy to all employees, trainees, and stakeholders in a clear and accessible manner. This will be done through: 

  • Distribution of the policy during the onboarding process. 
  • Posting the policy on internal noticeboards and the company’s website for easy access. 
  • Regular communication via emails or meetings regarding updates or changes to the policy. 

Handling Complaints of Discrimination/Harassment/Bullying: 

If an employee feels they have been subjected to discrimination, harassment, or bullying, they should immediately report the issue to their line manager, HR, or another senior staff member. Complaints will be taken seriously and handled confidentially. 

The company will: 

      • Investigate all complaints thoroughly and impartially. 
      • Take appropriate disciplinary action against individuals found guilty of discriminatory behavior. 
      • Protect employees from retaliation for making complaints in good faith. 

Employee Assistance Programme: 

NEXUS OFS offers an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to provide confidential support for employees dealing with personal or work-related issues, including stress, discrimination, or harassment. The EAP is designed to help employees resolve issues that may affect their performance, well-being, or overall job satisfaction. 

The EAP offers: 

    • Confidential counseling and support services. 
    • Access to resources to help employees manage challenges and improve their work-life balance. 

Communications and Colleague Signature: 

To ensure the effectiveness of this policy, NEXUS OFS will communicate the Equal Treatment Policy to all employees, trainees, and stakeholders in a clear and accessible manner. This will be done through: 

    • Distribution of the policy during the onboarding process. 
    • Posting the policy on internal noticeboards and the company’s website for easy access. 
    • Regular communication via emails or meetings regarding updates or changes to the policy. 

All employees and trainees are required to acknowledge receipt and understanding of this policy. They will sign a declaration confirming they have read and understood the policy and agree to uphold its principles.