UAE: How the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted workplace health and wellness

UAE: How the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted workplace health and wellness

Whether it is to comply with local government mandates, or attract and retain talent, organisations in the UAE regularly assess and update their health and wellness benefits packages. However, over the last year, the unprecedented spotlight on public health has emphasised the need for effective health and well-being initiatives in the workplace like never before. One of the most significant changes for businesses and their employees has of course been the mass shift to remote working — and with it, the increase in number of digital nomads. Ongoing research we’ve been conducting, with UAE employees and HR Directors, suggests that this shift has had a significant impact on staffs’ physical and mental health, as well as productivity. For those responsible for corporate health and wellness strategies, understanding the short and long-term health trends created or accelerated by the pandemic will be critical. For many employees across the Emirates, working from home has eliminated any form of commute. Additionally, without the opportunity to socialise with colleagues —for example at lunch, or over a mid-morning tea/coffee — many of us are moving less. This increase in sedentary lifestyles can increase the risk of a number of physical health issues, such as muscular