Amardeep Monteiro is the Head of Partner Commercial Distribution for Sukoon Insurance for their international health plans in the UAE, internationally administered by Bupa Global.
With over two decades of experience in employee benefits in the region, Amardeep has led key initiatives in sales, distribution, technical excellence, strategy, and risk management. Having worked in various roles across health and protection for leading intermediaries and insurers, she has comprehensive experience across the value chain.
This diverse background has provided Amardeep with extensive knowledge of regional market dynamics, employee benefit propositions, and operating models.
We are delighted to announce that Amardeep is speaking in Dubai this as part of our Wellbeing at Work Summit Middle East. We caught up with her to find out how she’s feeling in the run up to the summit.
Hi Amardeep, we are thrilled you will be speaking at our Wellbeing at Work Summit Middle East today. Our first and most important question is, how are you doing?
I’m doing great and feeling excited to be part of this well-being initiative. It’s always a privilege to be part of this summit, and inspiring to connect with like-minded professionals who are passionate about workplace wellbeing.
As a leader based in the region, what are the main challenges you are facing when it comes to employee wellbeing and mental health?
- Achieving a healthy work-life balance remains difficult in a fast-paced and high-performance-driven environment – lines get blurred.
- Long-term commitment from leadership and integrating wellbeing into company culture – rather than treating it as a one-off initiative.
What strategies have you seen developing over the past 6 months, both internally and externally, that are moving the dial on wellbeing in the workplace?
- Organizations prioritizing mental health by integrating Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs),
- Growing focus on flexible work arrangements to improve work-life balance.
- Leveraging digital mental health platforms
- Increased emphasis on leadership wellbeing, recognizing that a healthy workplace starts at the top.
- Fostering open conversations, normalizing mental health support, and embedding wellbeing into company culture
Why is employee wellbeing so important to you personally?
When employees feel well, they are more engaged, creative, and resilient, which benefits not just the organization but society as a whole. Being a person of determination myself, I am passionate about breaking stigmas, which could be mental, physical, social, etc.
What impact is AI having in your organization and how are you managing that?
In the wellbeing space, AI-powered tools are being used to provide on-demand mental health support, analyse employee sentiment, and identify potential burnout risks, allowing us to take proactive measures.
Managing AI’s integration requires a thoughtful approach to ensure it complements rather than replaces human interactions.
Other than AI, are there any challenges that you are seeing for the first time and how are you addressing them?
Blurring boundaries between work and personal life, many employees struggle to disconnect, leading to burnout and mental exhaustion. There have to be clear ‘WFH and disconnect” policies.
What areas do you think employers should be focused on over the next 12 months?
- Correct the blurring boundaries of hybrid/remote working
- Access to digital reach of mental wellbeing resources/programs
- Make D&I a motto, not a one-off initiative.
Do you feel that investment in employee wellbeing in the region is increasing or decreasing and is that a direct reflection on HR leaders’ increasing ability to demonstrate effective returns of their strategies to leadership?
Its absolutely increasing. Today Employers are recognizing the increasing engagement levels, leading to increased productivity. Happier people perform better! Employees are voicing their needs for better health insurance programs, access to mental wellbeing programs etc.
How has your organization been leading the way?
Where D&I is concerned, we are an equal opportunity employer, and me being a person of determination is a living example. Being a health insurer, Bupa has been a market leader where mental wellbeing programs are concerned. Our plans embed this benefit from day 1. Our offering includes access to mental health not just on the ground, but also digitally.
We ensure that every member has access to the program at their fingertips.
Amardeep is speaking in Dubai at the Wellbeing at Work Summit Middle East which takes place in Riyadh, Dubai, Cairo and virtually. Further details on the Summit can be found here.
