Why Your Employees’ Physical Health Matters

The business and human case for supporting physical wellbeing in GCC workplaces

Introduction

In the modern workplace, including across the GCC, physical health is among the most important, yet under-prioritised determinants of employee performance, satisfaction and retention. Chronic illness, poor fitness, pain or fatigue don’t just affect individuals: they impact productivity, increase absenteeism/presenteeism and raise long-term costs for employers.

A recent study by the McKinsey Health Institute (MHI), which surveyed thousands of employees across GCC countries, reveals that many workers report physical health challenges that interfere with their ability to perform at work. McKinsey & Company+1

In short, employees’ physical health and how companies support it matter greatly.

This article explores why, how poor physical health impacts workplaces, and what GCC employers can do to foster a healthier, more resilient workforce.

What recent data shows

• In the MHI survey, a significant portion of GCC respondents reported physical pain or other issues that impede work functions. McKinsey & Company+1

• A 2025 study in BMC Public Health analysing chronic pain’s impact on working adults found that pain, combined with stress, poor sleep and unhealthy lifestyle, strongly correlates with lower work productivity and higher absenteeism. SpringerLink

• Global data compiled by Vitality shows that poor health (physical and mental) costs economies significantly. For example, a 2024 survey estimated that health-related issues result in nearly 44 lost working days per employee annually - largely due to musculoskeletal problems, poor sleep, and other chronic issues. news.vitalityglobal.com+1

• Workers with multiple chronic conditions (multimorbidity) are more likely to experience prolonged work disruption, higher rates of absenteeism and presenteeism and greater “working-hour tension”. OUP Academic

Taken together, these findings show that poor physical health isn’t a personal issue - it’s a business issue.

Why Physical Health Influences Workplace Performance And Business Health

1. Productivity & Performance

Poor physical health (pain, fatigue, chronic conditions) undermines employees’ ability to perform consistently. Tasks may take longer, mistakes increase, and energy levels drop. Over time, this leads to lower output, reduced quality and lost efficiency - especially in roles requiring sustained focus, physical effort or teamwork.

2. Absenteeism and Presenteeism

• Absenteeism: frequent sick leave, medical appointments, or inability to work.

• Presenteeism: employees showing up while unwell, which often reduces actual effectiveness. Studies show that workers with chronic pain or poor health report significantly reduced productivity and higher work impairment. SpringerLink+1

Both absenteeism and presenteeism carry costs for employers: workflow disruption, lower morale among team members, increased overtime pay or hiring of temporary replacements.

3. Increased Healthcare Costs and Insurance Claims

Employees with unmanaged physical health issues tend to use more medical services: frequent visits, ongoing treatment and potential long-term care. This increases claims under group medical insurance, driving up premiums over time.

4. Risk to Retention, Engagement and Company Reputation

Employees who struggle with physical health may feel undervalued or unsupported, which hurts morale, engagement and loyalty. In competitive labour markets (as in many GCC economies), losing experienced staff due to health-related attrition can be costly. Meanwhile, companies perceived as caring about employee well-being build a stronger employer brand.

What GCC Employers Can Do: A Practical Framework

Based on global best practice and regionally relevant insights (e.g. the MHI study), here’s how employers can support physical health proactively:

Preventive screenings and regular health checks

Partner with insurers or healthcare providers to offer annual or bi-annual health assessments: cardiovascular checks, diabetes screening, musculoskeletal health reviews, vision and hearing tests. Early detection of risk factors can lead to early intervention, reducing long-term health issues and costs.

Promote workplace wellness & healthy lifestyle

• Subsidised or on-site fitness facilities, walking groups, ergonomic workstations.

• Health education: nutrition, hydration, posture, exercise - especially important in the GCC, where sedentary lifestyles and diet contribute to chronic disease.

• Regular breaks and micro-breaks, especially for desk-based workers, to avoid sedentary-related issues.

Evidence shows workplace programmes focusing on physical activity and healthy eating can reduce absenteeism and improve performance and “workability.” Health at Work+1

Flexible work arrangements & supportive policies

For employees with chronic conditions, injuries or recovery needs:

• Flexible hours or hybrid work

• Adjusted duties or light-duty options

• Disability-friendly policies and accommodations

These help retain experienced staff and allow them to manage health without exiting work.

Comprehensive corporate health insurance + preventive care coverage

Ensure insurance plans cover preventive care, chronic disease management (e.g. diabetes, hypertension), physiotherapy or rehabilitation services and periodic check-ups. Encourage employees to use coverage proactively, not only reactively.

Also, provide access to tele-health or virtual consultations - beneficial in the GCC where

commuting and busy schedules can make in-person visits difficult.

Wellness culture & leadership commitment

Promote a culture where physical health is valued - from leadership down. Normalise healthy habits (e.g. walking meetings, wellness champions, health-first mindset), encourage work-life balance and destigmatise health challenges.

Expected Benefits: Business Outcomes of Investing in Physical Health

• Reduced absenteeism/presenteeism - fewer lost workdays and higher output

• Lower long-term insurance costs via prevention and early intervention

• Increased employee engagement, retention and loyalty - less turnover and better institutional knowledge retention

• Enhanced employer brand - attracting talent in competitive GCC labour markets

• Better morale and workplace culture - healthier, happier employees perform better

Regional data supports this: a study on the GCC healthcare workforce estimated that investing in wellbeing could yield up to 25% productivity gains, 17% reduction in absenteeism and 11% lower staff turnover. Zawya

Conclusion

Employee physical health is foundational - not optional. Poor health isn’t just a personal challenge: it undermines productivity, increases costs, and affects the whole organisation.

For employers in the GCC, from SMEs to large corporations, investing in physical wellbeing isn’t just a perk. It’s a strategic, business-savvy move that safeguards talent, boosts performance and strengthens corporate resilience.

By combining preventive care, wellness programmes, flexible policies and a supportive culture, companies can create healthier, more engaged workforces and benefit from lower costs, better output and stronger employee loyalty.

With the right commitment and structure, ensuring your workforce is physically well becomes a win for everyone.