The Dubai government is taking proactive steps to turn the city into one of the best places to live and work. Part of its plan involves an impressive AED105 million Mental Health Plan, which is designed to help residents, especially employees, cope with daily life.
Why is employee well-being now gaining importance? And how will the government’s plan support the workforce?
The Growing Importance of Workplace Wellness in Dubai
There is increasing concern over the wellbeing of employees in the UAE, not just in Dubai. Businesses are recognising the interrelationship between poor mental health and productivity. Varying reports reveal increased stress levels, amplified by the pandemic, and shifting priorities.
Another key factor that’s highlighting this issue is the emirate city’s exceptional growth as a global business hub. As the city is poised to welcome more investments, it is going to need a stronger and resilient workforce.
In the Gulf Cooperation Council, which includes the UAE, nearly two-thirds of employees report experiencing symptoms of distress, anxiety, or depression — significantly higher than average. Even more worrying is how locally born workers more than expatriates report higher rates of poor mental wellbeing.
Mental health issues are costing UAE businesses AED3.9 billion per year in lost productivity. Fortunately, greater access to resources such as professional depression treatment in Dubai is beginning to bridge the gap.
According to a 2023 study, poor mental health seriously affects business outcomes, leading to lower productivity, reduced job satisfaction, and higher employee turnover. Employees who struggle with their wellbeing often experience heightened levels of stress. Some have no recourse but to take unplanned leaves or call in sick. If the employee’s poor mental health continues, it could cause them to burn out.
Absenteeism and burnout reduce workforce productivity. What follows is the inevitable turnover.
A Shift in Employee Expectations
According to reports, 65% of employees in the UAE will seek new employment before the end of 2025. Many of these workers will actively look for other jobs because of the increase in cost of living.
Although a higher salary is a key driver for moving jobs, many will also look for compensation packages with mental health and emotional wellbeing as benefits. In fact, 93% prioritise wellbeing initiatives, like comprehensive health programmes, during a job search.
Other than better salaries and wellness benefits, the following are also significant factors in driving turnover:
- More employees now demand better benefits from their workplaces.
- Only 20% of employees believe that employers are delivering an excellent employee experience.
- UAE employees do not see their employers as being invested in their emotional wellbeing, resulting in low morale.
- A strong job market will encourage more employees to seek work elsewhere.
How Government Is Helping Employee Wellness
Dubai is pushing for what it calls “mental wealth” through a comprehensive framework designed to support the mental wellbeing of Emiratis. Backed by a budget of AED105 million, the Mental Health Plan is part of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which seeks to turn the city into a top destination for living, working, and visiting.
The Mental Health Plan framework, guided by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, aims to provide high-quality care, support, and counselling services to enhance psychological and community stability. Because attracting and retaining top talent is one of Dubai’s many goals, the framework demonstrates the government’s commitment to create a sustainable work environment for employees.
Although the framework does prioritise the elderly, children, and disabled, it still has implications for the role of businesses in fostering better wellbeing.
Some key parts of the Mental Health Plan framework that businesses can integrate into their practices are:
- Enhance mental health infrastructure and accessibility.
- Launch awareness campaigns to break down stigma.
- Implement training programmes to foster a more responsive and empathetic corporate culture.
- Establish support networks that offer practical resources for employees facing mental health challenges.
What Businesses Are Doing to Achieve Workplace Wellness
As the effects of poor mental health on productivity, efficiency, and overall business performance become more evident, companies are increasingly prioritising employee wellbeing.
A Bupa Global survey found that 88% of organisations plan to increase their investment in employee wellness programmes. Notably, 94% of senior leaders report that these initiatives have had a positive impact on productivity. A further 29% of businesses observed lower employee turnover, 36% have noticed a decrease in absenteeism, and 49% have noted greater employee engagement. All of these reinforce the strong return on investment that comes from supporting employee mental health.
As a result, 93% of companies now see wellbeing initiatives as a linchpin in their business strategies.
What do the well-being programmes include? Some businesses provide:
- Wellness workshops
- Health screenings
- Maternity and parental leaves
- Flexible work policies
Businesses will expand wellbeing programmes, with nine in ten companies anticipating an increase in budgets for these investments. About 22% of these businesses expect to raise budgets by more than 15%.
Many organisations also partner with a local wellness centre in Dubai to provide employees with direct access to fitness, nutrition, and mental health services.
For some businesses, these programmes are already taking effect as 66% of employees have conveyed their satisfaction with their company’s offerings. About 60% have disclosed marked improvements in their work-life balance, and 47% have expressed better overall health since the integration of wellness initiatives.
In terms of direct benefits in the workplace, 41% of workers have shared an increase in motivation, and 36% have experienced reduced stress.
The Rise of Workplace Wellness in Dubai
Dubai has visionary initiatives for the future of its city and, more importantly, its residents. As it endeavours to further grow its economy and welcome investors, it works to develop programmes that ensure a better quality of life for all. A big part of this effort is supporting the mental wellbeing of its workforce.
Businesses are acting accordingly by recognising the ROI of reduced absenteeism, increased productivity, and reduced turnover. Through wellbeing initiatives that value the health and wellness of employees, companies are able to see better business performance. From enhanced work-life balance to increased motivation, employees are responding positively to companies that provide relevant wellbeing programmes.
The message is clear. When organisations look after their employees, the organisations do well. When organisations do well, the economy does better.
Ultimately, the rise in workplace wellness is in the best interests of businesses and the city as a whole.
Author: Xandra Manalo – Outreach Specialist, SEO Sherpa
Photo credit: StockCake
