July 9, 2016

To our stakeholders:

I am pleased to confirm that Be Connected International reaffirms its support of the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact in the areas of Human Rights, Labour, Environment and Anti-Corruption.

In this annual Communication on Progress, we describe our actions to continually improve the integration of the Global Compact and its principles into our business strategy, culture and daily operations. We also commit to share this information with our stakeholders using our primary channels of communication.

Sincerely yours,

Kawthar Makahlah
Founder/CEO

Since Be Connected International, the sister company of Beauty Connection Spa’s main advocacy is Women Empowerment, human rights is definitely one of the core objective in our operation. We’ve been practicing the rights in the whole company which are essential for the dignified and decent human existence which includes right to fulfillment of our employees’ basic needs. Adequate development of human personality is also being highlighted wherein it comprises the right to freedom of speech and expression, cultural and educational rights.

All our employees, from the top management up to the service provider staffs, have the right to work in an environment that is safe and healthy. We are providing them healthcare support and facilities such as health insurance, free legal services, etc.
Our company also have a detailed Code of Business Conduct and Ethics which includes our policies with respect to occupational health and safety. We are strictly providing rules which is zero tolerance for any acts of violence, harassment or any other actions that compromise the health and safety of our subordinates.
Moreover, the whole company adopts a liberal democratic style of management. This makes all staff members feel involved and included - this fosters immense loyalty and a bonding of sisterhood. The members of the staff know that they have a family of support in time of need.

Be Connected International is committed to provide equality that prides itself on diversity, fairness and equitable treatment of all employees. Hence, by embracing an inclusive culture that supports diverse talent of our employees which we have trained, our people collaborate successfully and accordingly, enabling our company to effectively compete in the international and local marketplace and stand apart from its outside competitors.
Our Human Resource Team are properly trained and have always been attending in every seminar from the government which detailed the proper implementation of guideline in the business. Hence, Be Connected International is 100% sure that all of its applied rules and regulations are being conducted in accordance with the highest standards of equity, dignity and integrity and in compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.

Our company is a predominantly a woman’s company where 95% employees are women.

Like Beauty Connection Spa, we are hiring people for our Sales Team and other Managerial position, regardless of them having a different field and some are under-graduate, and train them until they have acquired the skill, expertise and capability to be professional in their work; the important element to note here is that while they receive their training, from day one, Be Connected International pays them a full normal salary.
Be Connected International recognizes the fact that the staff know their work and their points of view are given great consideration into the decision making policy of the company. In fact, so much of importance is given to their points of view that it can be safely be said that the staff are the policy makers. As mentioned earlier, Our company adopts a liberal democratic style of management which makes all staff members feel involved and included.
Moreover, the members of the staff know that they have a family of support in time of need. Be Connected International allows the staff 3 months maternity leave which is far more that the statutory requirement. Women staff who do not drive, have been provided with transport.

Talented members of the staff have been given an opportunity to educate themselves further at the cost of Be Connected International and sometimes they have also been sent abroad for training and to enter into competitive events.
All of the staff are given maternity leave by the company as well as the free legal services at any time they will be needing it. For the free transportation, all of the staff who do not drive, are obtaining the service as the company’s providing them buses in different area of Dubai to pick up the staff when they come and leave the work. Moreover, for those who are in sales team and other managerial position, we also provide car and let them enter in a driving school wherein all expenses are supported by Be Conneted.

Be Connected International provides a wide range of Beauty product for salon and spas spa. We are the manufacturer of our Sister company – Beauty Connection Spa and distributes salon products to other salon/spa and maintain the sustainability of the products offered especially the disposables.

At Be Connected International, it is our commitment to provide only the highest level of service in a professional and relaxing environment. Practicing the quality control of the workforce is very important not only in other industry but specifically in Beauty industry.
Since one our main commitment is to initiate GREEN ENVIRONMENT, we prioritize on manufacturing 100% disposables and non-woven products. By this, we make sure to encourage our clients to be more aware on how to take care of the environment.

In BCI, Quality, cleanliness and providing a world class practices in beauty industry is being practiced by us, from the staff up to the managerial position. We make sure that our showroom premises provide a relaxing sense to our clients. We do have a monthly pest control as well as weekly general cleaning.

Transparency are always been a practice at Be Connected International. We provide the full information required for collaboration, cooperation, and collective decision making inside the company. Wherein, we ensure that all employees are familiar with the relevant bribery and corruption laws, their roles in the business, their responsibilities and the appropriate response to any suspicion of corrupt activity.

The members of the staff have been given an opportunity to free legal services should they desire. BE CONNECTED INTERNATIONAL pays its staff their salaries as well as hefty 50 % commissions and this is an initiative of the company to help the female staff to be economically independent. The commissions also help improve the marketing skills of the employee. The staff, due to the commission policy, extend themselves to their potential so that they increase their earning abilities. It is pertinent to note that a vast majority of staff earn commissions which far exceed their salaries. The commission policy has worked with tremendous success. Be Connected International has employed several members of the families of the current staff to help them to settle and live together as a family.
We also have inductions and briefing to all the staff with regards to the UAE Labor policy, Salary Implementation so that all of them are well aware for the things happening inside the company
Moreover, in terms of third party coalition, we make sure that we have a monitoring and reporting requirements for agents and partners representing our business. In fact, our CEO make sure to attend regular meeting with company managers, department wise, supervisors, staffs, suppliers and business partners.

With all the implemented actions to deliver convenience and tranquility to our subordinates and partners, our business is seen to have a successful operation in the past years. Be Connected is well-assured that all employees are familiar with the relevant bribery and corruption laws, their roles in the business, their responsibilities and the appropriate response to any suspicion of corrupt activities.