As the world changes rapidly, new challenges continue to affect mental well-being. In this context, prioritizing mental health is no longer optional. Companies that embrace a people-first approach will attract top talent, boost productivity, and build resilience to thrive in a fast-evolving business landscape.
World Mental Health Day was a powerful reminder of the importance of mental well-being, but real change requires more than a one-day focus. It takes consistent effort, especially in the workplace, where stress, anxiety, and burnout have become increasingly common. Wellness programs and motivational messages alone are not enough. Sustainable improvements happen only when businesses embed mental health into the core of their strategy and operations.
Building confidence in the workplace
The data speaks for itself. According to the World Health Organization, 15 percent of the working-age population worldwide struggles with a mental illness. Depression and anxiety together cost the global economy $1 trillion every year in lost productivity. The situation in the GCC is no different, where about 15 percent of the population is affected by mental health challenges, with many employees saying they do not receive adequate support. PwC’s Hopes and Fears report reveals that only 33 percent of employees in the Middle East feel their well-being is a priority at work. Even more concerning, nearly 30 percent of workers in the UAE hesitate to seek help, fearing that doing so could damage their careers or lead to judgment from their employers.
This reluctance highlights a deeper issue – a perception that vulnerability may be seen as a sign of weakness or inefficiency in the workplace. However, recent research shows that vulnerability at work builds trust, especially during ideological conflicts that threaten group harmony. Businesses should create cultures where employees feel safe sharing personal and mental health challenges, as vulnerability can build mutual confidence through relatability.
Stronger morale and productivity
Why should companies care about the mental health of their workforce? One reason is that having a culture that prioritizes good mental health can be good for business, directly impacting morale and productivity. For example, my research shows that when leaders normalize mistakes —framing it as a universal experience, a sign of effort, and a step toward future success—employees feel more motivated, work longer hours, and bring in more revenue.
Perhaps more importantly, recognizing the importance of good mental health can set a company apart from its competitors. The World Economic Forum reports that only 56 percent of employees believe their employer takes mental health seriously, and half of those who disclosed mental health challenges to their managers said they faced discrimination as a result. Additionally, according to Deloitte, an astounding 40 percent of Gen Zs and 35 percent of millennials experience anxiety or stress most of the time, with nearly half reporting burnout.
Mental health challenges like these not only lead to absenteeism but also to hollow presenteeism, where employees show up for work without being fully engaged. Both scenarios negatively affect performance and productivity.
Comprehensive approach
Rather than relying on one-off wellness activities, a company that takes a more comprehensive approach, will set itself apart, creating loyalty in the workforce. Organizations should experiment with how to integrate well-being into daily operations by fostering supportive work cultures where it is safe to fail and safe to admit vulnerability, providing manager training to identify burnout, and adopting policies that encourage work-life balance with flexible hours and mental health days for everyone.
Encouraging everyone to take mental health breaks normalizes the idea that we all suffer to some extent from mental challenges whether it be imposter syndrome, fear or failure or something larger. This normalization should make employees feel more confident using mental health services without fear of professional consequences.
Read: New UAE labor law brings both challenges and opportunities for businesses
Role of leaders in a healthier workforce
Leaders play a crucial role in setting the tone for how mental health is handled in the workplace. Those who openly engage in conversations about mental health are more likely to build trust and psychological safety, making it easier for employees to seek support and inspiring effective, company-wide progress toward a healthier workforce. In turn, teams could become more engaged, collaborative, and productive.
Of course, for any company, tracking the impact of their initiative is important. Companies should measure employee engagement, absence, and performance over time to see if their efforts are truly resonating and making a difference to both the individual and employees as a collective. They should ask for and be responsive to anonymous employee feedback. A qualitative approach, where employers gather in-depth insights from employees about their experience and needs, also ensures that companies remain agile in their response to the changing dynamics of the workforce and can evolve policies when necessary.
By making mental health a core element of their strategy, businesses in the region and beyond can position themselves as employers of choice, driving significant change and sustainable growth. Most importantly, they will send a clear message that caring for employees is not a weakness but a strength. Mental health belongs at the heart of every business strategy – and the time to act is now.
Professor Catherine H. Tinsley is the Raffini Professor of Management, Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, Dubai Executive MBA Program
