Men’s Health Awareness in the Workplace: Breaking the Silence, Building Support

How UAE and GCC businesses can create an environment where men are comfortable seeking help.

In boardrooms and break rooms across the GCC, one conversation remains noticeably absent: men’s health. Despite growing awareness around the importance of employee wellbeing in the workplace, the unique health challenges faced by male employees, both physical and mental, are too often overlooked or under-discussed.

That silence comes at a cost.

From rising rates of cardiovascular disease and diabetes to underreported cases of anxiety, stress and depression, many men in the GCC are quietly grappling with conditions that impact not only their personal wellbeing, but also their professional lives. Stigma, time pressures and deeply ingrained cultural expectations often prevent men from seeking help until it’s too late.

At Gulf Care, we believe it's time to break the silence. For HR professionals, business owners and leaders across the UAE and wider GCC, the workplace offers a powerful platform to champion men's health by normalizing conversations, encouraging preventive care and fostering a culture where asking for support is not only accepted but is actively encouraged.

Why Men’s Health Matters in the GCC Workplace – The Raw Numbers

Across the region, men are significantly less likely to schedule regular check-ups, speak openly about mental health, or access support services - even when they’re available through employee health plans. 

The consequences are stark:

• Cardiovascular disease is common and remains one of the leading causes of death for men in the GCC.

• Type 2 diabetes is disproportionately high among male populations, especially in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. According to the International Diabetes Federation, up to 20.7% of the UAE’s adult population suffers from the condition.

• Prostate health is rarely discussed, despite being a growing concern. Globally, it is the second most common form of cancer.

• Mental health issues such as chronic stress, burnout and depression are often masked or left untreated due to fear of stigma or professional repercussions. Some estimates put the proportion of men in the UAE who suffer from mental health issues as high as 77%.

These conditions not only endanger men’s lives, they affect productivity, engagement and team cohesion. Addressing them isn’t just a matter of health, but a business imperative.

What’s Holding Men Back from Seeking Help?

According to recent research, around the world, men are less likely to seek medical help than women and, while statistics are lacking, this is thought to be no different in the UAE. While awareness is increasing, several persistent barriers continue to prevent men from engaging with health services:

• Cultural norms around masculinity often discourage vulnerability or emotional openness.

• Work pressures lead many men to deprioritize health check-ups or delay addressing symptoms.

• Stigma around mental health in particular prevents many from speaking up.

• Lack of clarity about what workplace benefits actually cover - especially regarding Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), mental health support, or tele-health access.

For employers, this presents a critical opportunity: to demystify benefits, remove stigma and provide proactive support that fits within the cultural and professional context of the GCC.

How Employers Can Lead the Change

Forward-thinking companies across the UAE and wider GCC are beginning to realize that investing in men’s health is about more than offering a gym discount or annual flu shot. Here are tangible ways you can take the lead:

Champion Preventive Care

Make it clear that annual check-ups and screenings are not optional extras - they’re essential tools for long-term health. Ensure your group health insurance or custom health insurance plans include coverage for cardiovascular screenings, diabetes monitoring and prostate health checks.

Encourage the use of tele-health services, like those offered by Tru Doc, to allow for private, convenient consultations that are easy to fit around demanding work schedules.

Strengthen Mental Health Support

Integrate a culturally sensitive Employee Assistance Programme that allows male employees to access professional counselling discreetly. Promote it consistently, not just during awareness months.

Provide training for managers on how to recognize signs of mental distress and how to open supportive conversations with male team members.

Run Targeted Wellness Initiatives

Launch campaigns and workshops specifically aimed at men’s health. Topics could include stress management, sleep hygiene, early warning signs of chronic illness and emotional resilience.

Invite male employees to participate in designing these initiatives so they feel included, approachable and aligned with workplace culture.

Create a Speak-Up Culture

Senior leaders - particularly male managers - can play a vital role in de-stigmatizing health discussions by sharing their own experiences with stress, illness, or personal health journeys.

When openness comes from the top, it trickles down, transforming silence into shared understanding.

Tailor Your Benefits

Choose corporate health insurance companies that understand the GCC context and can deliver flexible, comprehensive packages. Whether you’re offering health insurance for employees in the UAE, medical insurance for employees in Dubai, or exploring health insurance packages for small businesses, ensure your plan includes coverage for the kinds of preventive, mental health and chronic illness care men in your organization need most.

Why Men’s Health Support Pays Off

Prioritizing men’s health isn’t just the right thing to do - it makes solid business sense. Companies that implement structured wellbeing programmes experience:

• Reduced absenteeism and presenteeism

• Increased engagement and morale

• Higher productivity and retention

• Stronger employer branding and trust

Your health insurance and wellness strategy can be a key differentiator in attracting and retaining talent, especially when it includes online health insurance access, tele-health and personalized employee support.

We’re with You Every Step of the Way

Men’s health is not a niche issue - it’s a foundational part of building a resilient, high-performing workforce. And the workplace is the ideal place to start the conversation.

At Gulf Care, we offer more than just coverage. We provide trusted, culturally attuned health solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of contemporary businesses and their employees and we’re dedicated to offering the best health insurance in the UAE. From comprehensive corporate health insurance to dedicated Employee Assistance Programmes, our offerings are tailored to support both mental and physical well-being across genders, cultures and company sizes.

If you’re ready to create a healthier, more supportive workplace for everyone, starting with the men who rarely speak up, let’s talk. 

Visit www.gulfcare.me to explore how our health insurance solutions and wellness programmes can help your business and employees thrive.