Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) has been distinguished with the prestigious Three-Star Gross National Happiness (GNH) of Business Certificate, recognizing its dedication to integrating Bhutan’s unique happiness-driven values into its corporate framework.
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay presented the certificate to DGPC yesterday during a formal ceremony, celebrating the company’s commendable efforts to align its business operations with the principles of GNH. Achieving a score of 54.54 percent, DGPC surpassed the average benchmark by successfully embedding the nine domains of GNH into its organizational practices.
The accolade follows a rigorous three-month evaluation conducted by the Centre for Bhutan and GNH Studies (CBS). The comprehensive assessment included interviews with 886 of DGPC’s 1,628 employees across its headquarters and six hydropower projects, yielding an impressive response rate of 88.2 percent. This evaluation scrutinized DGPC’s performance in critical areas such as psychological well-being, health, education, living standards, good governance, and ecological diversity.
DGPC demonstrated notable strengths in employee compensation, gender equity, and social security, highlighting the company’s commitment to fostering a supportive and equitable workplace. The corporation’s investment in employee development was particularly lauded, with extensive training programs designed to enhance skills and promote professional growth.
However, the assessment also identified areas needing improvement. Psychological well-being was the lowest-scoring domain, registering only 28.5 percent. Issues such as workplace discrimination, harassment, and job insecurity were prevalent, with 12.1 percent of employees reporting instances of verbal abuse. Additionally, health risks remain a concern, as approximately 78 percent of the workforce is exposed to workplace hazards. While DGPC has made strides in managing occupational stress and reducing work-related injuries, the report emphasized the necessity for more robust safety protocols.
Managing Director Dasho Chhewang Rinzin attributed some of these challenges to the demanding nature of hydropower work, which often takes place in remote and physically challenging environments. “Our employees primarily work in underground powerhouses and tunnels, which can be less appealing. We are committed to enhancing the work environment to ensure our employees feel valued and remain with the company, as their well-being is integral to our success,” Rinzin stated.
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay acknowledged the delicate balance DGPC maintains between employee well-being and corporate profitability. “DGPC sets a valuable example of how the private sector can prioritize happiness and well-being while achieving business success,” he remarked. Lyonchhen Tobgay expressed optimism that DGPC’s achievement would inspire other organizations to pursue GNH of Business certification, reinforcing Bhutan’s unique approach to sustainable and happiness-oriented economic development.
The CBS’s evaluation provided DGPC with several recommendations to further align with GNH principles, including the implementation of stricter safety measures, improved workload management, and enhanced initiatives to boost employee well-being, such as wellness programs and flexible work arrangements.
The GNH of Business framework, derived from Bhutan’s renowned GNH Index, encourages companies to consider social, cultural, and environmental factors alongside economic performance. In addition to DGPC, other notable organizations like Bhutan Power Corporation Limited, Bank of Bhutan Limited, and Bhutan Telecom Limited received the GNH of Business Certificate in 2021, underscoring a growing movement towards holistic business practices in Bhutan.
As DGPC celebrates this significant achievement, it sets a benchmark for corporate responsibility and employee-centric practices, reinforcing Bhutan’s commitment to Gross National Happiness as a cornerstone of its national identity and economic strategy.
