In UAE, the sufficiency of conventional insurance policies for employees is increasingly being questioned due to the growing complexity of risks.

In the diverse workplaces of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), one size does not fit all when it comes to employee wellbeing, according to wellbeing consultant Cyrill France Badong. The needs of employees vary across cultures, roles, and life stages, he explained.

A separate report has raised concerns about AI conversations potentially contributing to a silent mental health crisis. However, one company leading the charge in the UAE is MetLife, offering holistic, human-centric support for the mental health and finances of its employees.

According to the MetLife Employee Benefits Trends Study (EBTS), MetLife's approach focuses on real, measurable care, not just benefits. The study suggests that this approach is no longer optional, as employees are seeking more than gym memberships or snack perks.

MetLife's offerings include the MetLife Wellness Hub and a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that provides 24/7 support and integrates physical, mental, and financial wellbeing into one cohesive offering. George Kotsalos, a MetLife representative, highlighted the need for practical, accessible support beyond insurance coverage.

The findings of the latest EBTS highlight a growing gap between what companies offer and what workers expect. The study also revealed that while 44% of employees feel financially well, only 47% feel their employer provides sufficient mental health support.

Cyrill stressed that wellbeing should not be treated as a "soft" perk. He noted that stigma around mental health and financial struggles often keeps employees silent. He emphasized the importance of purpose-driven wellbeing, which are intentional and genuine strategies built with employees, not just for them.

The UAE is experiencing a growing concern for men's mental health due to fatherhood stress. A study found that men in the UAE are quicker to fix cars or technology than seek help for mental health issues. Dr. Salha Nugman underscored the importance of normalizing open discussions about mental health and training managers to respond to early signs, which can improve wellbeing, productivity, and retention.

Cyrill shared an example of the impact of small, meaningful initiatives on wellbeing: a breast cancer awareness session prompted an early diagnosis. He pointed out that companies are still figuring out how to support wellbeing in a way that's meaningful and consistent.

Waad Barakat, a Special Correspondent covering security topics with a focus on human interest stories and unique Gen Z-inspired content, reported on these developments. Her report underscores the need for companies to prioritize employee wellbeing as a key component of a successful and productive workforce.