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The Burnout Epidemic

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Update

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Written by Meesha Mausoof, Adult and Couple psychotherapist at The Valens Clinic, Dubai.

A recent Cigna Workforce Survey for the UAE highlighted that 91% of employees in the UAE experience moderate to high levels of stress.

As a therapist I have seen this stress compounded by factors like cultural adaptation, long commutes, and demanding work schedules which creates the perfect storm for chronic stress to develop into burnout.

 

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Burnout in High Achieving Expats

 

  1. Cultural and Workplace Diversity: Dubai’s workforce is a melting pot of nationalities, each with its own work ethic and communication style. While diversity drives innovation, it can also lead to misaligned expectations and interpersonal stress.
  2. Hyper-Competitive Work Environment: The race to achieve ambitious goals often leads to employees sacrificing work-life balance.
  3. Expat Challenges: For many expatriates, who make up nearly 90% of the UAE population, adjusting to a new culture, lonliness and being away from family support adds emotional strain.

 

 

The Cost of Burnout

Burnout affects not only employees and  families but also businesses. According to Cigna, 58% of UAE employees report feeling less engaged due to stress. This disengagement can lead to higher turnover rates, reduced productivity, and increased healthcare costs.

A Gulf News article echoes this sentiment, noting that businesses are increasingly aware of the toll burnout takes on productivity and employee retention.

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Creating a Corporate Culture of Wellbeing

 

  1. Foster a Culture of Open Communication: Managers should encourage employees to voice their concerns without fear of judgment.
  2. Invest in Wellbeing Programs:  The trend for the new year indicates that UAE companies are ramping up investments in wellbeing initiatives. The conversation around flexible work hours, culturally aware mental health support, and wellness activities is increasing within organisations.
  3. Provide Resources for Stress Management: Workshops focusing on well being, cultural onboarding, individual sessions, and access to counseling services can make a significant difference.
  4. Lead by Example: Leaders who model healthy work-life balance inspire their teams to do the same.

Dubai is a thriving city with significant growth predictions. By addressing work stress & burnout , regional companies can ensure their workforce remains engaged, healthy, and productive.

If you would like support to manage burnout or to understand ways to prioritize employee mental health, reach out to me at The Valens Clinic.