Fairness in the Workplace: QFC’s Approach to Employment Standards

As the global business landscape and multigenerational workplaces evolve, expectations around workplace culture, rights, and responsibilities are also changing. Financial stability and job security are no longer the primary priorities, especially for millennials and Gen Z. The younger generation seeks purpose-driven work, empathetic managers, and employment practices that reflect modern standards of fairness and equity.

Amid the global war for talent, forward-thinking organisations must provide more than competitive benefits. They must offer work environments that promote fairness, respect, mental wellbeing, inclusion, and work-life balance to attract, retain, and engage talent. People are the most important asset of an organisation, and workplaces built on fairness, trust, and transparency have been shown to drive employee engagement, unlock innovation, and enhance business performance.

Focusing on people and workplace quality extends beyond organisational outcomes. Decent work—that is, work that is productive and delivers a fair income, workplace security, and opportunities for personal development—is a cornerstone of sustainable progress because the quality of work people perform cannot be separated from economic growth.

Fairness in the workplace and dignified work, therefore, should be considered business imperatives.

In September 2015, the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) established the Employment Standards Office to foster transparent and fair work environments. Since then, the Employment Standards Office has advanced decent, dignified, and equitable working conditions for all. QFC’s approach is anchored in our core values and aligned with international best practices, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Social pillar of Environmental, Social and Governance standards.

The Employment Standards Office sets clear, fair employment practices, including non-discrimination, zero tolerance for bullying and harassment, and amicable conflict resolution through conciliation and mediation.

Ten years down the line, this commitment has grown stronger and has played a critical role in the company’s growth trajectory. We have seen firsthand that raising employment standards is not just about compliance; it is a strategic means of unlocking the full economic potential of our business ecosystem. To sustain this, it is important to recognise that fair labour practices are not static. Organisations must therefore engage regularly with employees through social dialogue, capturing their voices and feedback to ensure that regulatory frameworks and workplace culture align with current labour market needs and remain fit for purpose.

Fostering fairness in the workplace and dignified work are more than ticking regulatory boxes—it’s about creating an environment where people thrive. It is a shared responsibility, and one that pays dividends: businesses flourish when employees are treated with dignity and respect.

Luigia Ingianni
Commissioner, Employment Standards Office – QFC

The QFC’s Data Protection Rules: Setting the Standard in the Region

The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Data Protection Regulations and Rules 2021 have rapidly emerged as a gold standard for data privacy and security in the region. Drawing inspiration from the Qatar State Legislation Law 2016, the Regulations were meticulously crafted with Qatar’s unique legal, cultural, and economic context in mind. This blend of global best practice and local relevance ensures that QFC-licensed firms operate within a robust, future-ready data protection environment.

A Regional Leader with Global Roots

While the QFC Data Protection Regulations echoes global data protection principles such as lawfulness, fairness, transparency, data minimisation, and accountability, it has also thoughtfully adapted to reflect the legal, cultural, and operational realities of Qatar and the wider Gulf region, ensuring relevance, enforceability, and business alignment. The Regulations are both principle- and obligation-based, providing a flexible framework for compliance while also setting out clear, enforceable duties for firms.

Empowering Data Subjects and Enabling Business

At the heart of the QFC regime is a strong commitment to protecting the rights of data subjects. Individuals are granted a comprehensive suite of rights, including access, rectification, erasure, objection, restriction, and data portability. These rights are not just theoretical they are actionable, with clear timelines and processes for firms to follow. This empowers individuals while building trust and transparency between QFC firms and their stakeholders.

Safe, Adequate, and Encouraged Data Transfers

Recognising the importance of cross-border business, the QFC Data Protection Regulations actively encourage data transfers to jurisdictions deemed “safe” or “adequate.” The Data Protection Office maintains a list of such jurisdictions and provides mechanisms, such as standard contractual clauses and permits for transfers to other countries, ensuring that QFC firms can operate globally without compromising on data protection.

Collaboration and Incident Response

The QFC Data Protection Office works closely with state institutions, including the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), to ensure a coordinated response to data breaches and cyber incidents. Firms are required to notify the Data Protection Office of breaches within 72 hours, and guidance is provided on when and how to involve other authorities. This collaborative approach strengthens the overall resilience of Qatar’s digital economy.

By combining international standards with local insight, the QFC Data Protection Regulations not only protect individuals but also foster a safe, innovative, and globally connected business environment. As data-driven business accelerates across the region, the QFC continues to set the bar for privacy, trust, and responsible growth.

click here to know more about Client Affairs