Addressing mental health issues among healthcare providers is often overlooked, but it can have significant impacts on employees and the organization’s bottom line. On World Mental Health Day, Maham Rasheed, a Dubai Health Authority (DHA) licensed Clinical Psychologist at Nabta Health, discusses how neglecting mental health affects financial and operational costs in healthcare business management in the UAE.
While there is a shortage of ongoing research on this topic in the UAE, findings from COVID case studies revealed that approximately 21% of the working population in Dubai experienced mental health issues. Nabta Health conducted its own research, which highlighted several negative consequences of not prioritizing employees’ mental health, including hindering productivity and financial growth. This neglect can impact financial management, operational efficiency, morale, job satisfaction, productivity, patient satisfaction, the standard of care, and may even lead to clinical malpractice.
According to PwC Middle East, mental illness in the GCC region results in the loss of at least 3.7 million productive working days annually, equivalent to a Dh13 billion loss in business. This translates to Dh48 billion per year for the GCC economy. A McKinsey survey also indicated that two-thirds of GCC respondents reported symptoms of poor mental health or had a mental health condition at least once in their lives.
The impact on healthcare businesses starts with the employee, as chronic stress and anxiety can lead to frequent sick leaves, medical consultations, increased healthcare costs, and reduced productivity. It can also result in high turnover and legal costs. Mental health disorders are the leading cause of disability in the Middle East, accounting for 60% of all healthcare costs, which are often borne by insurance and companies.
To address these challenges, Rasheed emphasizes a holistic approach to mental health. This includes introducing mental health programs with counseling workshops and resources to help employees manage stress and anxiety effectively. It’s essential to educate and encourage staff to speak up and seek help without fear of judgment, combatting the stigma associated with mental health. Workplace flexibility is also crucial, allowing struggling employees to prioritize their well-being. Additionally, organizations should train managers and staff to recognize signs of mental health issues and introduce employee assistance programs with support services for professional assistance.
By prioritizing mental health, healthcare businesses can improve the well-being of their employees, reduce costs, enhance productivity, and provide better care to patients.
