A staggering 88% of UAE companies plan to ramp up investments in employee well-being programs in the coming year, according to a survey by a healthcare management firm. This shift is being driven by a noticeable Return on Wellbeing Investment (ROWI), with staff showing higher productivity and engagement levels.
The survey, conducted by Bupa Global and involving over 400 full-time employees from various sectors, found that 94% of companies in the UAE have observed positive impacts on employee performance and productivity due to well-being programs.
“Our survey is a clear indicator that prioritising employee health is not only beneficial for individuals but also a strategic move for businesses,” said Dean Pollard, General Manager of Bupa Global, Middle East and Asia. “When companies invest in holistic well-being initiatives, they experience tangible health returns — both in terms of reduced employee absenteeism and improved engagement and performance.”
Aakanksha Tangri, founder of corporate well-being program Re, confirmed that these findings align with her experiences. “Well-being programs improve team dynamics, combat burnout and stress, and equip employees proactively,” she said. “One particular company that I work with reported that 100% of the employees we worked with saw improved stress levels and better sleep.”
Benefits of Well-being Programs
More than half of the senior leaders surveyed reported significant improvements in productivity after implementing well-being initiatives. Additionally, 49% of employers noticed higher employee engagement, and 36% observed a reduction in absenteeism.
These results illustrate that well-being programs do more than enhance personal health; they also drive business performance. Almost a third of organizations reported lower employee turnover, showcasing how such initiatives are key to both workforce retention and organizational success.
Uma Bhattathiripad, founder of digital marketing agency Xite Live, shared her experience with workplace wellness programs. “We play sports together and participate in the Dubai Fitness Challenge every year,” she said. “This year, we’re also doing the Halloween run as a fun team-building activity. I believe a person’s quality of life is closely linked to their office environment. If we don’t manage workplace stress effectively, it can be overwhelming.”
Aakanksha further emphasized the broader impact of well-being initiatives. “By equipping employees to handle stress, companies give them tools to manage their lives more effectively,” she said. “This carries over into their personal lives, helping them overcome challenges in all areas. Ninety-eight percent of employees in one company reported tangible improvements in daily life and significant progress in emotional regulation.”
Challenges Remain
Despite the clear advantages, some challenges persist. Nearly half of senior decision-makers cited low employee participation as a hurdle, while 43% identified budget constraints as a limiting factor.
