UAE Employee Well-being: Latest Survey Reveals Insights

The New Faces of Employee Well-being in the UAE: What Does the Latest Survey Say?

According to a recent survey, a significant portion of employees in the United Arab Emirates feel well both physically and mentally. Based on the 2025 Health on Demand report by Mercer Marsh Benefits, 85% of interviewed UAE workers feel physically and mentally well, 64% believe their employer actively supports a healthy work-life balance, and 58% think their company genuinely cares about their health and well-being.

It also emerged that 68% are particularly satisfied with their current role, and 79% are confident they can afford necessary healthcare for themselves and their families. However, this picture is not entirely problem-free: according to the survey, 37% delay medical treatment due to financial considerations, while 24% simply procrastinate hoping the issue will resolve itself.

Links Between Stress and Job Switching

The survey also unveiled concerning details: nearly half (48%) of UAE workers admitted feeling stressed on most workdays. More than 58% are actively seeking new jobs, exceeding the global average (45%). This highlights the close connection between mental health and workplace engagement and retention.

It's important to note that mental health support provided by employers is currently limited: only 30% of employees have access to insurance that reduces the costs of mental health treatments, and just 29% receive training to help them recognize and manage mental challenges.

Demand for Personalized Benefits and Flexible Solutions

UAE employees increasingly desire personalized benefits: 62% want more flexible and customized benefits packages. Half of the workers believe flexible work schedules, such as compressed work weeks, would be beneficial, yet only 33% currently have such options. The same applies to flexible retirement options, considered important by 49% but available to only 26%.

Employees also show great interest in proactive, preventive, and tiered benefit options. 81% of respondents would welcome employer assistance in planning long-term health and care needs, and 80% would appreciate financial incentives to participate in preventive care. Additionally, 76% would be willing to pay more for better or supplementary coverage.

What Is the Lesson?

The Mercer Marsh Benefits survey examined over 18,000 employees across 17 markets, including the UAE, to better understand health and well-being priorities. The results clearly show that UAE employers are on the right track but still have ample opportunity to improve mental health support, flexible work schedules, and personalized benefits. These could not only increase employee satisfaction but also play a key role in long-term talent retention.

(Source of the article: Health on Demand report.)