Despite cases of wellbeing washing, data has found that initiatives focused on the holistic health of employees significantly boost employee productivity, engagement and retention. As per a recent survey by Bupa Global, a healthcare management company, 94% of UAE companies report that wellbeing programs positively impact employee performance and productivity, highlighting the connection between health investments and business success.

Accordingly, employers are implementing wellbeing as a core part of their strategy (93%), with nearly nine in ten UAE employers planning to increase budgets (88%). In addition, more than one in five (22%) organizations intend to raise their wellbeing budgets by over 15%, driven by a clear Return on Wellbeing Investment (ROWI). 

“When companies invest in holistic wellbeing initiatives, they experience tangible health returns — both in reduced employee absenteeism and improved engagement and performance. Wellbeing programs are no longer a luxury but a necessary investment to foster a healthier, more resilient workforce, ultimately driving business success,” Dean Pollard, General Manager, Bupa Global Middle East and Asia, said.

The survey found that 53% of the senior leaders surveyed reported improvements in productivity after adopting these initiatives. Meanwhile, 49% of the employers noted increased employee engagement and 36% highlighted reduced absenteeism.

These findings demonstrate that wellbeing programs do more than just support personal health — they directly influence business performance. Nearly a third (29%) of organizations reported lower employee turnover rates, illustrating that wellbeing is about workforce retention and a tool for sustained organizational success.

“The future of employee wellbeing is growth and innovation. Businesses are realizing that investing in the health and wellbeing of their workforce is a key driver of organizational performance and engagement,” Pollard added.

While the benefits of wellbeing initiatives are clear, challenges remain in their implementation. Nearly half (45%) of senior decision-makers cited low employee participation as a barrier, and 43% identified budget constraints as a limiting factor obstacle.

Two-thirds (66%) of employees expressed satisfaction with their company’s wellness offerings, specifically flexible work policies, health workshops, and maternity and parental leave programs.  Additionally, 60% of employees reported improved work-life balance, while nearly half (47%) noted better overall health. Moreover, 41% reported increased motivation, and 36% recorded reduced stress. 

Such wellbeing initiatives also influence job-seekers’ preferences, with 93% of employees considering them an essential element when evaluating potential employers.