Towards the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, companies all around the world began to talk more about employee wellness. Reports appeared about the "Great Resignation", with PWC’s poll of 52,000 workers in 44 countries, titled the "Hopes and Fears" survey, that noted one in five people were likely to change jobs in the following year. The reasons were varied.
Remuneration was no longer the sole focus, for example, of Gen Z – employees born between 1996-2010. On top of their list was community, flexibility and freedom of choice. They felt there were other job options on the table and so they nudged companies to prioritise work-life balance and championed the importance of mental and physical health and wellness.
Wellness is not just a trendy buzzword. It is a vital component in employee retention, attraction and in fostering a healthier, more productive workforce. By definition, wellness is the act of practicing healthy habits daily to attain better physical and mental health. And as the demands and expectations at the workforce evolve, so must the approach of companies to employee well-being.
There are several technology companies doing it right. Google, Microsoft and Salesforce are some of the leaders in this space. These organisations focus on giving employees support in multiple areas of their lives. Google for example, has wellness centres on site and provides fitness, well-being and cooking classes on-demand.
This is not only through good compensation and career progression, but by incorporating an internal mechanism that puts wellness at the top of the list
While most companies do not have the resources to offer such perks, they can create company-wide systems to support employee health. Some organisations in the UAE, for instance, offer employees support based on their fitness levels, with funded opportunities to take part in fitness events throughout the UAE, such as the Adnoc Marathon in Abu Dhabi and Dubai's 30-day fitness challenge for 30 minutes a day, or Dubai 30x30.
These are all steps in the right direction. According to McKinsey research, or their Great Attrition Study: “The Covid-19 pandemic has led more and more people to re-evaluate what they want from a job – and from life – which is creating a large pool of active and potential workers who are shunning the traditionalist path.”
Much of this remains true even as many parts of the world have bounced back from the pandemic.
In the US alone, the voluntary quit rate is 25 per cent higher than pre-pandemic levels, and McKinsey notes that many companies are likely to find that “job openings will persist in crucial positions,” an issue that can’t be resolved by reshuffling the current workforce. This begs the question: how do companies adapt to retain their staff?
While workplace flexibility and meaningfulness of one’s work are seen as the main factors in keeping employees happy, this is brought to life by the employer’s ability to actively foster a healthy community, a sense of belonging and well-being within the workplace, while being inclusive and highlighting support among colleagues. Companies can do this by giving employees a shared purpose. This could be done by incorporating well-known fitness and wellness events as part of their annual calendar and having a wellness team that works with employees to reach their goals, whether a half marathon or a park run.
Employee wellness, however, goes far beyond offering gym memberships or the occasional yoga class. It encompasses physical, mental, and emotional health, and it has a profound effect on job satisfaction, engagement and retention. For example, one study found that 90 per cent of business leaders have seen an improvement in performance and productivity when they’ve implemented wellness practices.
This is not only through good compensation and career progression, but by incorporating an internal mechanism that puts wellness at the top of the list. At some of the companies who do it right, employee’s nutrition, lifestyle, mental health, exercise and ergonomics are considered. Employees at First Abu Dhabi Bank have access to a suite of specialists through an internal portal, where they can follow programmes based on their needs.
In order to attract, retain and look after its employees, company leadership should be focused on a long-term approach and work on a better employee value proposition.
In his book, The Infinite Game, Simon Sinek discusses how to play the infinite game in business, which also applies to health.
Playing the infinite game of health involves a shift in perspective from short-term gains to long-term well-being. It's about understanding that good habits take time to create. By focusing on health, wellness and community, companies will over time foster better cultures.
In a fast-paced world, the pursuit of health is often viewed as a finite game – a short-term objective with a clear endpoint. Sinek discusses the idea of infinite games versus finite games. Applying this mindset to health can lead to more sustainable and holistic approaches to well-being. Companies can do the same to support their employees build the best versions of themselves towards and actively seek more support and embrace change.
In the post-Covid era, the region is moving further into the direction of health, wellness, purpose and longevity. Many more employees don’t value money if they don’t have the time.
In order to achieve growth and retain top talent, evidence shows it’s important for companies to take on the responsibility of employee wellness. Organisations need to look past traditional approaches, such as providing employees with an individual wellness budget, where one’s approach to health could be sporadic and without clear support towards implementation.
Wellness is key in tying this together, retaining confidence and driving organisations forward. Wellness education also extends out of the workplace and to homes, which means employees naturally inspire and encourage younger generations and their peers to understand that in the infinite game of health, the goal is not simply to win but to keep playing.
Company profile
Name: GiftBag.ae
Based: Dubai
Founded: 2011
Number of employees: 4
Sector: E-commerce
Funding: Self-funded to date
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Freezer tips
- Always make sure food is completely cool before freezing.
- If you’re cooking in large batches, divide into either family-sized or individual portions to freeze.
- Ensure the food is well wrapped in foil or cling film. Even better, store in fully sealable, labelled containers or zip-lock freezer bags.
- The easiest and safest way to defrost items such as the stews and sauces mentioned is to do so in the fridge for several hours or overnight.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8
Transmission: nine-speed automatic
Power: 630bhp
Torque: 900Nm
Price: Dh810,000
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
'Ashkal'
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Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
THE BIO
Occupation: Specialised chief medical laboratory technologist
Age: 78
Favourite destination: Always Al Ain “Dar Al Zain”
Hobbies: his work - “ the thing which I am most passionate for and which occupied all my time in the morning and evening from 1963 to 2019”
Other hobbies: football
Favorite football club: Al Ain Sports Club
The finalists
Player of the Century, 2001-2020: Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Ronaldinho
Coach of the Century, 2001-2020: Pep Guardiola (Manchester City), Jose Mourinho (Tottenham Hotspur), Zinedine Zidane (Real Madrid), Sir Alex Ferguson
Club of the Century, 2001-2020: Al Ahly (Egypt), Bayern Munich (Germany), Barcelona (Spain), Real Madrid (Spain)
Player of the Year: Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)
Club of the Year: Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Real Madrid
Coach of the Year: Gian Piero Gasperini (Atalanta), Hans-Dieter Flick (Bayern Munich), Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)
Agent of the Century, 2001-2020: Giovanni Branchini, Jorge Mendes, Mino Raiola
Analysis
Members of Syria's Alawite minority community face threat in their heartland after one of the deadliest days in country’s recent history. Read more
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbo flat-six
Power: 480hp at 6,500rpm
Torque: 570Nm from 2,300-5,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Fuel consumption: 10.4L/100km
Price: from Dh547,600
On sale: now
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
The specs: 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor
Price, base / as tested Dh220,000 / Dh320,000
Engine 3.5L V6
Transmission 10-speed automatic
Power 421hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 678Nm @ 3,750rpm
Fuel economy, combined 14.1L / 100km
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
The biog
Profession: Senior sports presenter and producer
Marital status: Single
Favourite book: Al Nabi by Jibran Khalil Jibran
Favourite food: Italian and Lebanese food
Favourite football player: Cristiano Ronaldo
Languages: Arabic, French, English, Portuguese and some Spanish
Website: www.liliane-tannoury.com
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
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'I Want You Back'
Director:Jason Orley
Stars:Jenny Slate, Charlie Day
Rating:4/5
Wednesday's results
Finland 3-0 Armenia
Faroes Islands 1-0 Malta
Sweden 1-1 Spain
Gibraltar 2-3 Georgia
Romania 1-1 Norway
Greece 2-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Liechtenstein 0-5 Italy
Switzerland 2-0 Rep of Ireland
Israel 3-1 Latvia
A Bad Moms Christmas
Dir: John Lucas and Scott Moore
Starring: Mila Kunis, Kathryn Hahn, Kristen Bell, Susan Sarandon, Christine Baranski, Cheryl Hines
Two stars
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Mobile phone packages comparison
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THE LOWDOWN
Photograph
Rating: 4/5
Produced by: Poetic License Motion Pictures; RSVP Movies
Director: Ritesh Batra
Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Sanya Malhotra, Farrukh Jaffar, Deepak Chauhan, Vijay Raaz
THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Power: 110 horsepower
Torque: 147Nm
Price: From Dh59,700
On sale: now
SCHEDULE
December 8: UAE v USA (Sharjah Cricket Stadium)
December 9: USA v Scotland (Sharjah Cricket Stadium)
December 11: UAE v Scotland (Sharjah Cricket Stadium)
December 12: UAE v USA (ICC Academy Oval 1)
December 14: USA v Scotland (ICC Academy Oval 1)
December 15: UAE v Scotland (ICC Academy Oval 1)
All matches start at 10am
Pakistan v New Zealand Test series
Pakistan: Sarfraz (c), Hafeez, Imam, Azhar, Sohail, Shafiq, Azam, Saad, Yasir, Asif, Abbas, Hassan, Afridi, Ashraf, Hamza
New Zealand: Williamson (c), Blundell, Boult, De Grandhomme, Henry, Latham, Nicholls, Ajaz, Raval, Sodhi, Somerville, Southee, Taylor, Wagner
Umpires: Bruce Oxerford (AUS) and Ian Gould (ENG); TV umpire: Paul Reiffel (AUS); Match referee: David Boon (AUS)
Tickets and schedule: Entry is free for all spectators. Gates open at 9am. Play commences at 10am
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The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
Ferrari
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