Catherine is a Wellbeing Engagement Specialist at Bupa Global, supporting clients across the Middle East and Asia in developing and delivering wellbeing strategies. She also works closely with healthcare providers to enhance employee health, engagement, and workplace culture. A passionate advocate for mental health, Catherine has over 12 years of experience, working in Ireland, Middle East and Asia with the focus on social care, supporting young adults and creating wellness programmes for large corporate organisations.
We are delighted that Catherine will be speaking in Dubai as part of our Wellbeing at Work Summit Middle East. We caught up with her to see how she’s feeling in the runup to the event.
Hi Catherine, we are thrilled that you will be joining us at the Wellbeing at Work Summit Middle East in January. Our first and most important question is, how are you doing today?
I’m feeling energised and optimistic, especially with the opportunity to collaborate with such a forward-thinking community on workplace wellbeing. It’s wonderful to be part of these important conversations.
As a leader based in the region, what are the main challenges you are facing when it comes to employee wellbeing and mental health?
I’m genuinely delighted to witness a significant and positive shift in companies prioritising employee wellbeing and mental health support. That said, stigma around mental health still persists in some communities, which can make open dialogue challenging. The UAE’s diverse workforce also means wellbeing initiatives need to be inclusive and culturally sensitive, ensuring everyone feels understood and supported. Designing programmes that resonate across cultures is complex, but it’s an exciting opportunity to innovate and make a real difference.
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?
There’s a fantastic momentum towards holistic wellbeing, with organisations broadening their support to include mental, financial and physical health. Digital platforms for mindfulness and stress management are now common, and wellbeing strategies increasingly work hand-in-hand with diversity and inclusion to ensure everyone feels supported. The introduction of wellbeing ambassadors is especially inspiring – they play a key role in motivating colleagues and providing a safe space for open conversations, helping to build a supportive and thriving workplace culture.
Why is employee wellbeing so important to you personally?
Employee wellbeing truly matters to me because I’ve seen first-hand how it can transform lives, both inside and outside of work. We spend a significant part of our lives at work, and I believe every individual should feel safe, valued and empowered in their workplace. When people are happy and healthy, they’re more engaged, productive and bring their best selves to whatever they do. For me, it’s about nurturing an environment where everyone can flourish—this is the foundation for long-term success, both for individuals and organisations.
What impact is AI having in your organization and how are you managing that?
AI is truly driving positive change in our organisation, making processes quicker and customer service more responsive. We’ve embraced AI tools to simplify routine tasks, allowing us to better serve our customers. More importantly, AI supports predictive and personalised healthcare, helping us shift towards a preventive model – so we’re not just reacting when people are unwell, but proactively supporting their health. This is an exciting step forward in delivering truly personalised care and making a meaningful difference to our customers’ wellbeing.
Other than AI, are there any challenges that you are seeing for the first time and how are you addressing them?
Burnout and workplace pressures remain significant, especially in the UAE, and employees’ expectations around wellbeing continue to evolve. People now look for more than just traditional benefits – they want holistic support. Issues like obesity, diabetes, sleep disorders and musculoskeletal concerns are among the top health claims, and the real challenge is encouraging long-term behavioural change. We’re focusing on education, engagement and sustained support, moving away from quick fixes towards lasting wellbeing improvements.
What areas do you think employers should be focused on over the next 12 months?
Employers should focus on both physical and mental health for their people, recognising that a holistic approach leads to healthier, more productive workplaces.
It’s important to provide continuous support rather than only intervening when problems arise. Addressing high claim areas such as nutrition, promoting physical activity, offering flexible benefits that encourage a healthy lifestyle, and ensuring access to preventative health services are vital. Investing in long-term coaching, managing workloads, training leadership in empathy, reducing unnecessary meetings, and setting clear boundaries for hybrid working are all crucial steps. By integrating support for both physical and mental wellbeing in their strategies over the next 12 months, employers can build a resilient, motivated, and engaged workforce.
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?
Investment in wellbeing is absolutely on the rise. Recent surveys show that 88% of UAE companies plan to increase spending on employee wellbeing in the coming years, which is incredibly encouraging. Organisations recognise that effective wellbeing strategies drive productivity, enhance retention, and boost overall business performance. Wellbeing is now a strategic priority, and business leaders are playing a vital role in demonstrating the tangible returns these investments deliver.
How has your organization been leading the way?
At Sukoon and Bupa Global, we position ourselves as trusted healthcare partners to customers around the world, championing a holistic approach to wellbeing. Our SME health plans in the UAE, in partnership with Sukoon, offer extensive cover, including mental health support and preventive care management.
Employees benefit from convenient, digital access to care through services such as EAPs and Global Virtual Care, enabling support anytime, anywhere. We also provide tailored support through dedicated wellbeing engagement specialists, ensuring the programmes are impactful and relevant for corporates and large SMEs. We’re passionate about setting the standard for comprehensive wellbeing in the workplace.
Catherine is speaking in Dubai as part of our Wellbeing at Work Summit Middle East 2026 which takes place in Cairo, Riyadh, Muscat and Dubai in January. Click the links below to find out more and book your tickets:
29 January 2026 – Dubai – Click here to find out more and book
20 January 2026 – Cairo – Click here to find out more
22 January 2026 – Riyadh – Click here to find out more
27 January 2026 – Muscat – Click here to find out more
