Workplace wellbeing is top of the agenda for UAE employees

Dubai– Almost three quarters (73%) of UAE workers feel they enjoy a healthy work-life balance thanks to the support and opportunities provided by their employers. That is based on over 1000 respondents in a recent YouGov finding from a survey undertaken by leading global health insurance provider, Aetna International.

Over a third (34%) of employees believe their workplace encourages innovation and creativity, with the same percentage stating that their place of employment promotes diversity, teambuilding and engaging activities. When it comes to loyalty to their workplace, 40% said their line manager is the main driver whist 38% stated the brand reputation of the company it works for is the main reason.

Asked if they would be more likely to lead a healthier lifestyle if they were incentivised by an employer, almost half (47%) said they would welcome flexible working hours and 39% said working from home at least a few times a month would allow them to have a healthy work-life balance.

Interestingly, 46% of men as opposed to 35% of women said that offering a longer maternity leave would provide a healthy balance, and over half of women (52%) said that being given a special day off work (52%) to celebrate a birthday or special event would be a key incentive.

Aetna International’s CEO for EMEA, David Healy, said: “In line with the Government’s vision to make Dubai the happiest city on earth, it is clear that a large majority of UAE workers feel they are striking the right balance between work and health. It is reassuring to know that employers take the health of those working for them seriously and that overall, there are processes in place to offer support, guidance and career opportunities for staff.

“These findings are timely as May is the month widely recognised for shedding light on the importance of mental and emotional health, and at Aetna, this is an illness that we take very seriously. Our overarching goal is to build a healthier world that focuses on prevention first and therefore the crucial role of an employer in supporting the health and wellbeing of its staff should never be underestimated.”