Experts have underlined the need for business leaders to address mental health challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic towards a stronger recovery path to normalcy in key sectors.

According to a recent report by premium health insurer Bupa Global, 96 percent of high-net-worth individuals in the UAE have experienced at least one symptom of mental ill-health since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

In its Executive Wellbeing Index, the organisation noted the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health and wellbeing of employees in various sections.

Significantly, business leaders experience double challenges in terms of management of the health and wellbeing of their employees along with their own.

Addressing stigmas

Despite the abundance of existing information, resources and necessary legislation to support the mental health concerns of people, it was stigmatised to address such topics during the critical circumstances presented by the pandemic crisis.

In comparison with other regions analysed by the Index, UAE's business leaders undertook a more traditional view of corporate leadership. According to the data, only 10 percent thought CEOs are now expected to show greater empathy in comparison with 27 percent across the world.

Experts underline that stigma and discrimination can aggravate mental health problems for individuals which can result in delays in required help and treatment. Therefore, they stressed the importance of addressing and tackling mental health problems as soon as possible.

Dr Luke James, Medical Director at Bupa Global, noted the first step to be open and honest about the challenges and accepting them, rather than brushing them under the carpet.

"Just because you’re successful doesn’t mean that everything is OK, and because there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to dealing with mental ill-health, expert support is essential," he added.

Notably, business leaders must take charge in breaking down the stigma related to mental health issues like stress and anxiety to ensure that every employee is able to give their best personally and professionally to the company. 

Leading by example

Dr James called for viewing mental health as what it is - a problem with someone’s health. If people are able to talk about physical illnesses freely, then openly discussing mental health concerns such as stress and anxiety should be encouraged.

"The truth is that speaking up about mental health in the workplace is the only way to break down this stigma," Dr James affirmed.

A number of organisations are already ensuring necessary measures into practice to help and support their employees during difficult circumstances.

As part of an initiative from the World Health Organisation (WHO), a number of organisations including Clifford Chance, Deloitte and HSBC have partnered to encourage other firms to create awareness about "creating an open, welcoming and supportive workplace environment for all when it comes to mental health”. They have signed a pledge committing their organisation to promoting and developing a more positive culture around mental health.

Oman Insurance’s approach to mental health support

Oman Insurance is providing various benefits to their customers including a combined experience of Oman Insurance Company (the insurer and the local administrator of the plans) as well as Bupa Global ( international administrator of the plans). These benefits are facilitated by the robust partnership designed to help improve customers' confidence.

For the two companies, mental health is just as important as physical health. To ensure the provision of the best healthcare services, the companies have removed both annual and monetary limits across plans for in-patient and day-patient mental health treatment (up to the annual maximum limit of your chosen plan).

Interested people can get more information about their premium health plans by visiting oicglobal.ae or talking to their Private Client team on 04 210 8088.

SOURCE: Gulf News

LINK: https://gulfnews.com/uae/why-business-leaders-should-set-the-tone-for-mental-health-1.1647000106209