OPINION: Wellness is the blueprint for a future-ready workplace — Mariam Azmy, Innovo CPO

"In a time of constant change, organisations that prioritise wellness are building more than just great workplaces, they’re building the foundation for long-term leadership", says Mariam

The built environment is undergoing a profound shift – not only in how construction and development projects are delivered, but in how the people delivering them are supported. As our sector evolves to meet growing demands in sustainability, technology and urban expansion, one factor remains central: people. More specifically, how we prioritise, protect, and support their wellbeing.

Wellbeing is not a policy add-on, it's a strategic imperative. A 2025 study by McKinsey Health Institute and the World Economic Forum estimated that a holistic approach to employee health could unlock up to US $11.7 trillion in global economic value. In the UAE, 88% of companies plan to increase wellness budgets this year, with 94% of senior leaders already linking those efforts to improved productivity, according to Bupa Global Survey 2025.

Designing for wellbeing

The physical workplace continues to be the most effective lever for promoting wellbeing. Done right, it can help reduce stress, build community and create a more agile workforce. Evidence continues to mount linking workspace design with employee engagement and mental health outcomes.

Natural lighting, biophilic design, open layouts, quiet zones and casual social spaces not only enhance comfort – they foster connection and community, helping people thrive even in fast-paced, high-performance environments.

As hybrid work models gain traction, the office must do more than offer a desk. It must give purpose. The most effective workspaces today are designed to flex around human needs, facilitating collaboration and restoration in equal measure.

Support beyond the office

Wellbeing does not stop at the door of the office. Forward-thinking organisations are widening their scope to include practical support for mental health, personal development, financial security and family life.

Intellect’s 2025 ”Workplace Wellbeing 360” report found that mental wellbeing has the strongest correlation with productivity, while presenteeism – working while unwell – now costs businesses three times more than absenteeism. Similarly, lots of workers report experiencing burnout symptoms, with nearly half taking leave as a result.

The message is clear: people expect more than compensation. They expect care. Services such as 24/7 counselling, life coaching, parental support, digital wellbeing platforms, and wellness allowances are becoming the new normal, particularly for Gen Z and millennial employees.

Crucially, this support must be accessible to all, not just those in headquarters or central roles. A truly inclusive wellbeing strategy accounts for diverse roles, schedules and geographies, reflecting the full spectrum of a modern workforce.

A business case with human impact

The return on wellbeing investment is no longer anecdotal. Indeed’s 2025 Work Wellbeing Index showed that companies scoring highest on employee wellbeing are outperforming the S&P 500 and Nasdaq. Yet despite the gains, a considerable gap remains. While most executives agree that wellbeing is essential to performance, many still struggle to embed it meaningfully.

The challenge is not awareness. It’s implementation. The activation of practical support for wellbeing, and that is where Innovo shines.

A blueprint for leadership

Wellbeing must be treated with the same strategic focus as financial planning or risk management. It is an investment in people and fundamental to the success of an organisation.

And while strategies vary by sector and scale, one thing is constant: culture cannot be faked. Employees can tell the difference between token gestures and real care.

That’s why recognition matters –as validation of a deeper commitment.

Over the past year, Innovo has been recognised by the industry for employee wellbeing, reflecting the lived experience of people across the organisation.

In a time of constant change, organisations that prioritise wellness are building more than just great workplaces, they’re building the foundation for long-term leadership. And in doing so, they’re proving that care is not a cost. It’s a strategy.

We are committed to continue treating the challenges of wellbeing at the workplace as a priority, while using our voice to push for industry-wide progress.

Source: OPINION: Wellness is the blueprint for a future-ready workplace