Workplace Wellbeing Grows 3.3% in MENA

Welcome to the second edition of VIWELL’s LinkedIn Newsletter, ‘Living in Balance’. We extend our gratitude to the thriving wellbeing community for an overwhelming response with over 9,000 subscriptions with just one publication. Your support fuels our commitment to promoting holistic wellbeing in the workplace and fostering broader conversations, particularly within the MENA region.?

Recent studies by Gallup, McKinsey, and PWC emphasise that ‘wellbeing’ in the MENA region is still encumbered by layers of stigma. However, there is a noticeable shift in collective and organisational mindset, signalling an impending disruption in the industry. This transformation is reflected in the broader scope of strategies and action plans, emanating from Governments and Government Entities.

Headquartered in the UAE, the VIWELL objective is to indeed mark the beginnings of a workplace wellbeing revolution right at home. That makes for a perfect opportunity to turn a page back to the UAE National Wellbeing Strategy 2031. Adopted in 2019, supporting the UAE Centennial 2071, this strategy aims to make the UAE a world leader in quality of life. It’s based on a national framework of three main levels - individuals, society and the country. It includes 14 components and 9 strategic objectives, which include enhancing people's wellbeing by promoting healthy and active lifestyles, promoting good mental health and adopting positive thinking – both in the professional and personal facets of all residents.?

From a Wellbeing Market Perspective?

Now, shifting our focus to the global stage, the workplace wellbeing market is estimated at $50.6 billion in 2022. This substantial investment is driven by the imperative for employers to mitigate healthcare expenses, enhance morale, retention, and recruitment, and boost overall productivity. Despite an 8.2% contraction during the 2020 pandemic, the sector is now rebounding with a steady 2.8% annual growth from 2020 to 2022.?

However, this is where it gets intriguing for the MENA Market. Global Wellness Institute’s Global Wellness Economy Monitor 2023 published this month, reports some staggering data.??

While the Market in Europe is projected to grow at 0.2% and Asia Pacific looking at a steady decline of –2.1%, the MENA Market is looking at a steady 3.3% surge, notably higher than even the current Global numbers.??

This is more than just numbers. Reverting to the opening premise of the newsletter, for a region that historically and culturally faces significant challenges with respect to open and actionable dialogue around wellbeing, this officially documents the initiation of a major paradigm shift.??

And it’s not just the UAE; Saudi Arabia has made its way into the Top 20 Markets for Workplace Wellbeing for the first time with an annual growth rate of 3%.?

Speaking of Saudi Arabia, the VIWELL team was in Riyadh last week to participate in the 7th Annual HR Tech Saudi Summit. Besides exhibiting and interacting on the floor, Chief Wellbeing Officer Jade Camps-Douglas and Wellbeing Scientific Director Dr. Maged Iskander took the center-stage to discuss how workplace wellbeing is all set to play the role of a catalyst for the final outcome of Saudi Vision 2030.?

VIWELL’s brand new infographic manual series, ‘The Wellbeing Insider’, launched at the summit documented that in the present day, a resounding majority, a remarkable 76% of employees, passionately express their enthusiasm for Vision 2030.? Yet, beneath this widespread support for the program, a nuanced sentiment emerges. When it comes to their own organisations' alignment with this grand vision, Saudi workers display a degree of uncertainty. Notably, recent studies show that less than 60% of employees believe that their companies are well-equipped to contribute to the broader Vision.??

This subtle discrepancy underscores the critical correlation between workplace wellbeing and the fulcrum of Vision 2030. The heart of this vision lies in fostering not just economic growth but also the holistic wellbeing of all who call this country their home. The dynamic speaker duo from VIWELL established how a content and healthy workforce is not only a driving force behind productivity but also essential to the socio-economic fabric that Vision 2030 ultimately aims to achieve.

The Wellbeing Insider can be found here.

This week: Catch VIWELL Founder & CEO Mohammed Husary at the exclusive Abu Dhabi Family Office Summit on a star-studded panel that discusses how families are drawn towards Longevity, Healthcare, Life Sciences and Wellbeing as they come to terms with family challenges and the impact of modern lifestyle alongside:?

Abdulla Al Gurg, Family Principle, Al Gurg Group ; Christian AngerMayer, Apeiron Investment Group ; Moha Bensofia, Founder, Mendi.io ; Bjoern Von Siemens, Family Principle, Von Siemens Trust and James Morgon, Senior Advisor Milken Institute.

At VIWELL, we are committed to taking a proactive and holistic approach to wellbeing, offering personalised and scientifically grounded solutions. Our belief is that true wellbeing extends beyond isolated facets of life. As we conclude this newsletter, our mission remains clear - to empower, educate, and inspire you on your journey to become VIWELL, to live your optimal balanced life.??

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