A recent survey conducted by a healthcare management company revealed that 88% of businesses in the UAE plan to increase their investment in employee wellbeing programmes in the coming year. This rise is largely due to the positive Return on Wellbeing Investment (ROWI) that companies are witnessing, with employees becoming more productive and engaged as a result.
The survey, carried out by Bupa Global, gathered insights from over 400 full-time employees across various sectors and found that 94% of companies observed a positive impact of wellbeing initiatives on staff performance and productivity.
Dean Pollard, General Manager of Bupa Global for the Middle East and Asia, noted that the results clearly show that prioritizing employee health benefits both the individuals and the businesses. He emphasized that investing in comprehensive wellbeing programs leads to measurable health returns, such as decreased absenteeism and improved employee engagement.
Echoing these sentiments, Aakanksha Tangri, founder of the corporate wellbeing program Re, confirmed similar results in her practice. She highlighted that wellbeing programs improve team dynamics, reduce burnout, and equip employees with tools to manage stress. One of her clients reported that all participating employees saw improvements in stress levels and sleep quality.
The survey further revealed that more than half of senior leaders observed noticeable productivity gains after implementing these initiatives. Additionally, 49% noted higher employee engagement, and 36% saw a reduction in absenteeism. These findings suggest that such programmes not only support personal health but also contribute directly to enhanced business performance, with nearly a third of companies reporting lower staff turnover.
Uma Bhattathiripad, founder of Xite Live, shared that her digital marketing agency incorporates wellness activities year-round, from playing sports to participating in the Dubai Fitness Challenge. She stressed that a positive workplace environment is crucial for improving quality of life and managing workplace stress.
Aakanksha also pointed out the broader impact of wellbeing initiatives, stating that by giving employees the tools to manage stress, companies are helping them better navigate both work and personal life. She mentioned that 98% of employees in one organization reported noticeable improvements in emotional regulation and daily life management.
However, despite the benefits, challenges remain. Almost half of senior leaders cited low participation rates as a hurdle, while 43% highlighted budget constraints as a limiting factor.
News Source: Khaleej Times
