Dubai-based accountant Risa Marie, whose name has been changed at her request, has not taken a single day off in the past three years, despite falling ill multiple times due to fears of salary reductions. The 40-year-old Filipina, who works up to 10 hours a day at a company in Garhoud, recently attended a free online mental health session and recognized signs of burnout. "I frequently experience headaches and feel exhausted whenever my roommate suggests going out," she explained. "I often struggle to sleep at night despite feeling tired. However, I am unsure how to combat this burnout. I fear my company might dismiss me if I take time off, and my entire family relies on my income."
On Monday, Dubai introduced a Dh105 million mental health framework aimed at early detection, intervention, enhancement, and prevention of mental health issues. Experts believe this will encourage companies to prioritize employee mental well-being. The framework was initiated by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE. "I've observed that cultural shifts, particularly regarding mental health, occur primarily from top-down directives," noted Aakanksha Tangri, CEO of Re:Set, an employee well-being program. "The fact that this directive originates from Sheikh Hamdan is likely to prompt many companies to prioritize mental health."
Nina Pacic, HR Manager at Sovereign PRO Partner Group, concurs. "This new initiative is expected to motivate companies to enhance employee well-being, aligning with broader objectives," she stated. "It's likely that more companies will adopt employee well-being programs as a result of this initiative in Dubai."
A mental health expert highlighted the importance of this initiative. "Approximately 62.5% of mental health issues begin before the age of 25, underscoring the need for early detection and intervention," said Dr. Gurveen Ranger, Clinical Psychologist at Sage Clinics. "This initiative is crucial for raising awareness and fostering new narratives. The more we discuss mental health as a community, the more people will feel comfortable seeking help."
Aakanksha identified several reasons for high stress levels among workers in the UAE. "They are often away from their families, face financial stress due to the high cost of living, and operate in a highly competitive market, constantly fearing replacement," she explained. Earlier this year, a study by Cigna Healthcare revealed that 90% of UAE respondents feel stressed, with nearly all experiencing at least one symptom of burnout.
Aakanksha, who has worked with various clients including frontline and domestic workers, emphasized the importance of providing resources to manage stress. "We equip them with necessary tools to handle high-stress situations proactively rather than reactively," she said. "This approach gradually changes the company's attitude towards mental health issues, leading to small but significant changes over time."
Harjit Bahia, co-founder and medical director at ZOI-ME, an upcoming longevity clinic in Dubai, believes this initiative will help reduce stigma. "Mental health disorders still face stigma in the MENA region," he said. "This initiative is significant not only for its financial support but also for the widespread attention and scientific scrutiny it will bring to a field often misunderstood or surrounded by cultural misconceptions."
Investing in employee mental health can reduce long-term costs for companies, according to Aakanksha. "Replacing an employee can cost up to 60% of their annual salary," she noted. "If 10% of employees leave, the financial impact on a company in the UAE would be substantial. Investing in employee well-being helps attract and retain talent."
Nina outlined ways to improve employee well-being. "Offering one-on-one meetings to discuss employees' roles and contributions can be highly beneficial," she said. "Flexible working arrangements, encouraged use of annual leave, and smaller initiatives like suggestion boxes and team-building events can effectively gather honest feedback and enhance employee experiences."
