Explore firsthand insights into the professional environment at Douglas OHI, a renowned construction service provider in Oman.
During this interview, Arun Sreedhar, our Support Services Manager, provides a glimpse into the company’s work culture, firmly rooted in three fundamental values: diversity, teamwork, and creativity. He elaborates on how Douglas OHI fosters collaboration and shared responsibility by embracing diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Moreover, the company also encourages innovation and leadership, valuing and actively seeking input and engagement from all team members. Arun’s enthusiasm and motivation shine through as he takes great pride in his role within a team that consistently delivers high-quality results and receives well-deserved recognition and rewards.
This interview unveils Douglas OHI’s appeal as an exceptional workplace, emphasising its commitment to a culture of diversity, collaboration, and innovation. By nurturing these values, Douglas OHI provides its employees with valuable opportunities for both personal and professional growth.
1. Having been part of the Douglas OHI team for 11 years is a remarkable accomplishment, showcasing your unwavering commitment. Could you please share your journey through your tenure with the company and how your career has flourished and evolved alongside Douglas OHI?
- My journey with Douglas OHI began in July 2012. Initially, I was expecting a position as a Plant Engineer, but they offered me the role of Workshop Manager in the Plant department instead. Alan Crucikshank, my boss at that time, thoroughly interviewed me and tested my abilities. Despite my initial uncertainty, I managed to impress him, and he expressed confidence in our compatibility.
In the following years, I grappled with moments of self-doubt about my capability for advancement. However, in 2016, when Barry Hoprey assumed the role of department head, the transition was seamless, which resulted in an expansion of my responsibilities. By 2019, as Barry departed, my colleagues turned to me for guidance, and I gradually assumed a leadership role.
As our department operated separately from the head office, we concentrated on team rebuilding and task allocation among members. The opportunity to take on full leadership presented itself in 2021 when I assumed the role of Plant Manager. By late 2022, I received the appointment as Support Services Manager, overseeing all responsibilities and camps within Douglas OHI.
2. Could you share your insights on your work experience at Douglas OHI and its impact on your career aspirations? How has the work environment contributed to your job satisfaction? Moreover, how do you view the importance of a healthy workplace in your personal and professional growth? It would be valuable to hear specific examples of support from your colleagues and managers in achieving your goals and overcoming challenges.
- My initial years at Douglas OHI were challenging, as I had little experience in managing such a diverse team. However, the company has played a pivotal role in refining my maintenance skills and teaching me the intricacies of management. It became clear to me that my strengths lay in leading a team rather than focusing on specific sites.
Every day at Douglas OHI has been a continuous learning experience. This constant growth has been a key factor in my commitment to the company over the years.
I am grateful for the kind and supportive colleagues in my department who have always rooted for me. Their willingness to support me has provided a solid foundation for my personal growth. We share a common understanding of our goals and work collaboratively to achieve them.
I have also been fortunate to work under managers who have guided and supported me throughout my journey. Alan Crucikshank provided technical expertise. Barry Hoprey gave me the independence to work. Tim Shepherd was understanding and allowed me to excel. And Michael Hall has given me a significant opportunity to showcase my abilities.
The positive work environment at Douglas OHI has fostered my professional growth and job satisfaction. It has provided me with the necessary support, encouragement, and opportunities to overcome challenges and achieve my objectives.
3. Recognition and appreciation are crucial aspects of fostering a positive work environment. Can you share some examples of how Douglas OHI demonstrates appreciation and gratitude towards its employees? How does the company ensure that it recognises and rewards the hard work and contributions of its employees?
- Douglas OHI expresses appreciation and gratitude toward its employees in various ways. One primary method involves conducting annual performance evaluations through open dialogues between managers and employees, allowing for feedback and recognition of hard work.
Furthermore, the company values and nurtures the talents of its employees, providing growth opportunities and career advancement paths. This serves as a form of recognition, effectively rewarding employees for their unwavering dedication and commitment.
In addition to this, Douglas OHI actively fosters a culture of teamwork and collaboration. Within the wider team, individual achievements are celebrated and acknowledged. Whether through team acknowledgements during meetings or special mentions in company-wide communications, the company ensures that it not only appreciates but also publicly acknowledges the hard work and contributions of its employees.
4. Douglas OHI is known for its collaborative work environment that actively embraces diversity and inclusion. How has the presence of a diverse team with different backgrounds and perspectives contributed to problem-solving and innovation within the company? Can you share any examples where your team’s collaborative efforts have led to creative solutions or breakthroughs?
- The presence of a diverse team at Douglas OHI has greatly contributed to problem-solving and innovation within the company. The varied backgrounds and perspectives of team members bring fresh ideas and diverse approaches to tackling challenges.
Naturally, being in a new country and working with people who are also new to the workforce presented some difficulties. But over time, we have learned to value the different perspectives of each other. Through continuous interaction and communication, we gained a deeper understanding of each other’s motivations and behaviours. Ultimately, we realised that our diversity was a strength that gave us an edge in various situations.
Working with people from different backgrounds helped me to connect with the people and grow into my current role. Whenever I face a dilemma or a deadlock, I consult with my team, who usually help me clarify my thoughts and find a solution.
5. What inspires and motivates you in your role at Douglas OHI? How does the company enable you to excel in your position and achieve your goals?
- Several factors inspire and motivate me in my role at Douglas OHI. Firstly, the opportunity to maximise efficiency, deliver exceptional results, and generate income are strong motivators for me. Knowing that I am able to contribute to the success of the company and its projects drives me to perform at my best.
Additionally, the company provides an environment that enables me to excel in my position. They have given me autonomy and trust to make decisions and lead my team. The support and guidance from my managers have been instrumental in my growth and professional development. By providing the necessary resources, opportunities for skill-building, and recognition for achievements, Douglas OHI empowers me to reach my full potential.
6. Looking ahead, what are your personal and professional objectives as an employee of Douglas OHI? Are you interested in pursuing any specific opportunities for career advancement within the company?
- Professionally, my objective is to continue excelling in my current role as the Support Services Manager at Douglas OHI. I strive to ensure the smooth operations of our department and camps, maximising efficiency and delivering exceptional support services to our teams in the field.
In terms of career advancement, I am enthusiastic about delving into opportunities to centralise and streamline maintenance activities across various Douglas OHI locations. I believe that establishing a centralised team and control will significantly boost efficiency and optimise maintenance processes, thus making a substantial contribution to the company’s overall success. This is an area that I am eagerly looking forward to pursuing and contributing to, especially as we expand into new locations.
Delve deeper into the journeys of our remarkable team members through our Employee Spotlight blog series. Discover their exceptional stories of professional growth, career development, project management expertise, HSE best practices, effective teamwork, and the thriving company culture that fuels our accomplishments. Click here to read their experiences and be inspired by their dedication to Douglas OHI!