A recent survey has revealed that a large number of employees are showing reluctance in using the health and wellbeing benefits being offered by their employers due to the fear of being judged.

The study conducted by Aetna International surveyed more than 1,000 workers in the UAE. According to the data of the survey, about 29 percent of the participants named the fear of impact on their career progression if their company management found out about their mental health issues as the main reason for not using the health and wellbeing benefits provided by their employer.

Furthermore, 22 percent of them said they were uncomfortable in accessing benefits due to lack of participation among other employees. In addition, 20 percent expressed concerns about the way their colleagues would respond to them using the health and well-being resources.

About 27 percent of UAE respondents expressed worry about their HR/management finding out details related to their mental health issues as the main reason for not availing benefits.

David Healy, CEO EMEA at Aetna International, explained that previous research has shown how businesses in the UAE have significantly increased their support to boost employees' health and wellbeing over the last 18 months. Companies have become much more become highly sensitive towards the stress, anxiety and other pressures faced by the employees on a regular basis.

“In spite of these best efforts, these findings suggest that a significant number of employees may try to cope alone with mental or physical health challenges. Sadly stigma, particularly around mental health, means some employees still believe they could face repercussions if they reveal they are struggling, which should never be the case in any workplace," Healy added.

The survey has also underlined several measures employers can take to minimise the stigma among employees and encourage them to seek the necessary help. Some of the measures can be:

· Encouraging leaders to be more empathetic and improve communication among employees about the importance of health and wellbeing. About 35 percent of UAE respondents said they would be willing to access health and wellbeing support if there is more communication from the management about the available resources.

· Building a culture and safe working environment to facilitate open discussion among employees about physical, mental and emotional issues they are facing. According to the survey, about 33 percent of UAE employees expressed the need for a clear policy on mental health that will provide them safety on accessing support. At the same time, 38 percent said that they would encourage to use health and wellbeing resources if their peers are also accessing the same resources provided by their employer.

· Offering regular training and webinars particularly around practical tips on managing health and wellbeing. Webinars and training must focus on supporting employees and colleagues struggling with mental health.

Healy added that various lessons and research conducted into mental health at workplaces over the past 18 months have helped in understanding the importance as well as need for a more compassionate and open workplace culture. It is paramount in fostering better employee health.

"A culture where we encourage employees to talk about important issues, thereby easing the pressure to exude an aura of resilience — never ill, always ready for more work, available 24/7. But normalising discussions around issues such as health, and particularly mental wellness, could become one of the most important requirements of a sound talent strategy and company culture in the post-Covid economy,” he concluded.