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Mental health at work - moving from awareness to action

As mental health becomes a cornerstone of workplace wellbeing, organisations are shifting from awareness to meaningful action. This article explores how companies can embed mental health into daily operations—through holistic benefits, empowered managers, and open culture—to build trust, boost productivity, and support a multi-generational workforce.

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As mental health becomes a central pillar of workplace wellbeing, organisations are rethinking how to support their employees beyond traditional benefits.

Employee mental health is increasingly becoming a significant topic in corporate agendas. This is reflected in the integration of mental health into internal wellbeing initiatives and evolving employee benefit programs.

The importance of wellbeing is widely recognised. However, true progress requires more than just awareness.

Translating policies into everyday support

The key opportunity is to ensure that health insurance policies for employees are not just theoretical but actively support employees in their daily work lives. Many roles continue to involve fast-paced environments, multiple digital touchpoints, and the need to manage competing priorities efficiently.

While organisations increasingly promote authenticity and openness, workplace culture continues to move in a positive direction, helping more people feel comfortable speaking up, sharing concerns, and accessing support without hesitation.

A holistic approach to health benefits

A survey conducted by Bupa Global on age diversity in the workplace found that a holistic approach to healthcare benefits is essential to meet the diverse and evolving needs of a multi-generational workforce. The survey revealed that 35% of employees aged 25 to 34 highlighted the importance of mental health, reflecting a growing awareness of its role in overall wellbeing — particularly among younger generations who advocate for open discussions.

Notably, over a quarter (27%) of employees aged 45 and above also recognised its significance.

Employees are increasingly seeking mental health support, including therapy, counselling, helplines, and access to digital resources. Making these services readily available and easy to access plays a vital role in building trust and promoting wellbeing.

“Talking openly about mental health in the workplace can transform the level of support people feel,” said Dr. Mohammad Maan, Head of Clinical Operations, Bupa Global. “When leaders and colleagues share their experiences or simply listen without judgement, it creates an environment where asking for help feels natural. This openness not only helps people feel heard but also encourages early conversations with a professional, which can make a real difference to long-term health and wellbeing.”

Enabling managers to support wellbeing

Managers are often encouraged to engage with their teams around wellbeing but may not always feel equipped to lead those conversations effectively.

Providing practical training, clear guidance, and accessible escalation pathways can help managers feel more confident and prepared to offer meaningful support when needed.

85%

of UAE based employees are looking for access to mental health

Building credible, consistent support

An organisation’s employee wellbeing framework should focus on earning trust through clear, consistent support. This includes ensuring help is easy to access, equipping managers to handle sensitive topics with care, and keeping mental health an open part of everyday work life. When support is dependable and visible, it strengthens the foundation for genuine cultural progress.

89%

of UAE based employees want expanded medical insurance benefits from their company heath cover, and 88% seek more health screenings

A shared responsibility

Mental health in the workplace is not simply a trend — it is a key part of operational sustainability.

For leaders, this means creating systems that enable performance and wellbeing to co-exist. For employees, it provides reassurance that support is available and encouraged.

When mental health services are accessible and embedded in workplace culture, they can contribute to engagement, productivity, and trust. Now is the time for organisations to move from intention to implementation—embedding mental health into the DNA of workplace culture.

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