Delivering Employee Support Services in the Global Community

Transcription

1 Delivering Employee Support Services in the Global Community EAP Drivers and Influences Projected Utilisation The Arab culture will influence the likelihood of EAP utilisation and the means of service delivery. Large multinational companies that currently have locations in may also have a future impact on the utilisation of EAPs by local companies. Professional Clinical Qualifications There is not an organisation that oversees EAP accreditation in. Psychologists must be licensed in order to provide mental health care in. The license may be obtained from the department of Licensure and Registration at the Ministry of Health. i people prefer to access face-to-face counselling. The average cost of counselling ranges from BHD to BHD per session. Attitudes Toward Counselling There is a stigma associated with accessing counselling services, as many continue to associate mental illness with shame. Attitudes Toward Alcohol and Substance Abuse Muslims are prohibited from drinking alcohol; however, it is available for non-muslims in certain licensed establishments, such as hotel bars and night clubs. Non-Muslims are expected to remain sober though. People who are intoxicated in public can be fined and/or arrested. Substance abuse is viewed negatively in, and it is a problem that the government is addressing. Individuals who are found guilty of drug possession may receive severe penalties, including large fines, jail time, and deportation for expatriates. Fast Facts Population: 1,214,705 Capital City: Political Structure: Constitutional Hereditary Monarchy Currency: i Dinar Time Zone: AST A psychologist must possess a minimum of a bachelor s degree in a clinical psychology specialty and an undergraduate medical education. The curriculum for the undergraduate medical education includes the following: introductory courses in communication skills and doctor-patient relationships; problems in psychiatry, including drug abuse, schizophrenia, depression, and biological disorders; practical training and exposure to patients; and contribution to other health problems with an emphasis on the behavioural aspects in various medical areas. 1-5

2 The Arab Gulf Psychiatric Association is the local behavioural health organisation. Psychologists are not required to possess liability insurance. Key Professional Associations Arab Gulf Psychiatric Association Ministry of Health P.O. Box 5128 Kingdom of Telephone: Fax: Arab Gulf Psychiatric Association College of Medicine and Medical Sciences P.O. Box Kingdom of Telephone: Fax: National Delivery Systems Health Care provides free health care to its citizens; however, expatriates must pay for physician visits and hospital services. The government is primarily responsible for providing health services, but the private sector and community contribute as well. The Salmaniya Medical Centre is the main health centre in, providing secondary and tertiary care, and receiving a large percentage of the Ministry of Health s budget. The country has an additional 19 health centres, as well as five rural maternity hospitals, one psychiatric hospital, one geriatric hospital, and three private hospitals. All residents, citizens, and non-citizens are eligible to access the free health care system. Individuals may also purchase private health insurance to cover premium services. Many companies that are located in offer employer-sponsored insurance, in particular multicultural organisations. There is a minimal wait to access health care services. Behavioural/Mental Health Coverage and Care Mental health treatment is not fully covered by the national health care system. The basic programme offers treatment in a psychiatric hospital for critical issues; however, an individual must purchase additional health insurance coverage in order to access premium care. offers a national mental health programme. The programme s goals are to: prevent and treat mental disorders by providing accessible care to the population; enhance mental health knowledge in the areas of general health and social development by extending mental health care to the primary care level; provide the public with mental health education; implement legislative measures; develop the better management of specific psychiatric services for drug abuse, abnormal mental offenders, mental impairment, and geriatric and liaison 2-5

3 psychiatry; improve information systems and statistical data; and continuously research in order to improve the state of the mental health care system. Child Care and Parenting Private child care centres exist in the capital city. An individual must obtain a license from the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs in order to open a nursery. Nurseries accept children younger than three years of age. Work Ethic People in are known to have a strong work ethic. Importance is placed on timeliness and preparedness. Lifestyle/Religion/Family is generally viewed as more liberal than its neighbours. Islam is the main religion; however, is tolerant of other religions. For instance, one can find churches, Hindu temples, and Jewish synagogues alongside mosques. The Ministry of Education, Directorate of Private Education, supervises kindergartens, which care for children from three to five years of age. Elder Care Family members and close friends generally care for ageing individuals. Most people feel that it is dishonourable to allow an elderly person to reside in a facility; however, it is acceptable to hire someone to provide in-home care if needed. has a geriatric hospital for individuals who must receive special care outside of the home. s Department for Geriatric Medicine offers services for individuals over 60 years of age, including primary health care and treatment for mental health needs. Cultural Characteristics Language The following languages are spoken in : Arabic, English, Farsi, and Urdu. Ethnic Makeup Approximately 66% of the population are Arab Muslims. The remainder of the population is comprised of expatriates who are mainly from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Iran, Oman, and parts of the Far East. Demographic Trends is one of the most densely populated countries in the world with approximately 89% of its population living in the two cities of and Al Muharraq. i women typically work as housewives or in jobs that limit their appearance in public areas. Women have their own section inside of mosques where they must be covered by an abaya or scarf. i females may not be alone with a male non-relative. Women who wear an abaya or hijab may not remove it in the presence of a male non-relative. i women are also prohibited from sitting with men in the general section of restaurants; foreign women may sit wherever they choose. i women and girls are also prohibited from swimming in front of men in public, playing sports in front of men, and riding a bicycle. Communication Styles When greeting another man, a man will say, As-salaa, aleikum (i.e., peace be upon you); to which the other man responds, Wa aleikum as-salamma (i.e., and peace be on you). The exchange is accompanied by a light handshake that may linger a bit. Women generally greet one another in a similar manner to men, exchanging a handshake and/or kisses on the cheek. Greetings between men and women are rare; therefore, it is necessary to wait for the female to initiate a handshake if it is to occur. is generally have an indirect and diplomatic style of communication. It is important to give, pass, and receive objects with one s right hand, as the left hand is seen as unclean. 3-5

4 Business and Economic Characteristics Economy is home to a number of multinational companies due to its advanced communication and transport facilities. Its economy is heavily dependent on oil, as petroleum production and refining account for over 60% of the country s exports and 70% of government revenue. Aluminium is s second largest export behind oil. The finance and construction industries also play key roles in the economy. is second to Malaysia as a worldwide centre for Islamic banking. The future Qatar- Causeway will link and Qatar as the longest fixed route in the world. is also home to the World Trade Centre and the Financial Harbour. be physically fit in relation to the offered employment positions and free from infectious diseases. Status and Influence of Work Councils and/or Unions The Workers Trade Union Law gives workers the right to organise collectively. The General Federation of Workers Trade Unions in is a national trade union federation. The union is actively involved in multilateral discussions, including those regarding labour legislation. Communication has Internet and broadband services available nationwide. The country has an excellent telephony system, with available toll-free numbers, SMS texting, and universal freephones. Confidentiality Issues does not have any laws in place that protect data protection and privacy. Workers Rights Legislation The Ministry of Labour is responsible for the enforcement of laws and regulations for private-sector workers. The Civil Service Bureau is responsible for the enforcement of laws and regulations for government and military employees. A citizen is eligible to register with the Ministry of Labour as long as he or she is willing to work. The Ministry then records the application and issues a free certificate. The Ministry can also nominate registered individuals for appropriate employment vacancies with respect to their age and employment skills. Employers are required to give priority to i job applicants. Employers are also required to notify the Ministry of any anticipated reductions in manpower at least annually. Foreigners are eligible to work in s private sector only after they acquire a valid work permit from the Ministry of Labour. The Ministry issues conditions, corresponding fees, and renewal and withdrawal policies in regards to work permits. The Ministry of Health coordinates with the Ministry of Labour to determine the procedures to establish the physical fitness and health requirements of foreigners. Foreign workers must 4-5

5 Support for International Assignees Embassies British Embassy 21 Government Avenue P.O. Box Kingdom of Telephone: Website: Embassy of the United States, Building No. 979 Road 3119, Block 331 Zinj District Kingdom of Telephone: Website: Schools Naseem International School P.O. Box Riffa 922 Kingdom of Telephone: Website: Riffa Views International School Building 407, Road 4303 Al-Mazrowiah Block 943 Riffa Kingdom of Telephone: Website: Additional Resources for US or UK Citizens The British Club of Website: The British Club of offers recreational activities and events for UK citizens, Gulf Cooperation Council nationals, and other nationals who don t have their own clubs in. American Women s Association of Website: The American Women s Association of offers a support network for women of all nationalities living in the country. Acceptance of counselling EAP awareness in business world EAP and work-life utilisation Population of English speakers Employee Assistance and Work-Life Snapshot LOW MODERATE HIGH Telephone availability Internet access 5-5 Copyright 2011 Workplace Options. All Rights Reserved.