As newer generations enter the workforce, age diversity has become a top priority for employers in the UAE. A new survey shows that age diversity is important for workplace dynamics and meeting the unique needs of employees of different ages, such as healthcare.

Sukoon and Bupa’s new survey reveals that 70% of senior leaders and 65% of mid- to junior-level employees in the UAE believe age diversity is a top priority.

UAE employees define age diversity as “acceptance of all ages in the workplace” and a source of “a rich pool of experiences and knowledge transfer.”

However, the survey also found that a quarter (24%) of companies struggle to recruit and retain employees over 50.

Over half of surveyed employees have noticed an influx of younger professionals below 40 into their workplaces, while over one-fifth have recognized an uptick in employees aged 40 and above.

Additionally, there is a discrepancy in employee satisfaction with healthcare insurance packages across different age groups.

Over 60% of UAE employees aged 45 and above are satisfied with their healthcare insurance package, compared to 78% of employees aged 21-24 and 71% of employees aged 25-34.

This highlights the importance of organizations recognizing and addressing the unique healthcare needs of older employees.

Emphasizing the changing nature of aging, Dean Pollard, General Manager, Bupa Global Middle East and Asia, calls on organizations to adapt to meet the needs of a multi-generational workforce.

“In this age of increased longevity, we must recognize that the concept of aging is transforming. We are stepping into a new era of work that demands a swift shift in our mindset,” Pollard says.

“Ensuring healthcare inclusivity is not merely a means to support present individuals; it is also a vital step in reimagining the healthcare landscape for future generations,” he adds.

The survey also reveals some significant generational trends in healthcare, with respondents aged 25 to 34 (35%) prioritizing mental health, reflecting a growing awareness of its importance in overall 

Notably, over a quarter (27%) of employees aged 45 and above also recognized the significance of mental health.

The survey also found that two out of every five respondents (40%) consider the quality of the healthcare package a top priority when making job change decisions. This is particularly important for the age group of 21-24, where half of the respondents (50%) consider healthcare benefits a crucial factor.