UAE Companies to Boost Well-being Investments in 2025

Research from Bupa Global finds that wellness programmes enhance productivity, improve employee engagement, and reduce absenteeism.

By Maggie Mancini

A new survey by healthcare management company, Bupa Global, reveals that 88% of UAE companies are planning to increase their investment in employee well-being programmes over the next year, driven by a clear return on well-being investment. Well-being initiatives, shown to significantly boost employee productivity, engagement, and retention, are becoming crucial drivers of organisational success. In fact, 94% of senior leaders have reported that well-being programmes enhance productivity, underscoring the direct impact of health investments on overall business performance.  

The survey offers compelling evidence that well-being programmes provide substantial returns of well-being investment. More than half (53%) of senior leaders report significant improvements in productivity after adopting these initiatives. Additionally, nearly half (49%) of the employers observed greater employee engagement, and 36% note a reduction in absenteeism.  

These findings demonstrate that well-being programmes do more than just support personal health—they directly influence business performance. Nearly one-third (29%) of organisations report lower employee turnover rates, illustrating that well-being is not only about workforce retention but also a tool for sustained organisational success.  

With well-being now seen as a critical element of business success, 93% of employers consider it a core part of their strategy, reflecting the growing importance of health-driven initiatives in fostering competitiveness and organisational performance.  

While the benefits of well-being initiatives are clear, challenges remain in their implementation. Nearly half (49%) of senior leaders cite low employee participation as a barrier, and 43% identify budget constraints as a limiting factor obstacle.  

Looking ahead, the commitment to well-being is clear, as nearly nine in 10 employers (88%) plan to increase their investment in these programmes over the next year. More than one in five (22%) organisations anticipate raising their well-being budgets by over 15%, reflecting a stronger drive to foster healthier, more engaged workforces and recognising the long-term value this brings. 

As the focus on employee well-being becomes a central part of workplace culture, employees are increasingly seeking organisations that prioritise their health and overall job satisfaction. Companies that offer attractive well-being programmes are setting themselves apart in a competitive job market. 

In fact, well-being initiatives are influencing job-seeking behaviour, with 93% of employees considering them an important element when evaluating potential employers. This highlights the critical importance for companies to invest in well-being initiatives to attract and retain top talent.