📅 January 21, 2025 | 📍 Vida Hotels and Resorts, Emirates Hills

Finnish Business Council together with AmCham Dubai, a member of the Global Network of American Chambers of Commerce (American Business Council), in partnership with Cigna Healthcare Middle East & Africa, brought together industry leaders and professionals to explore innovative strategies for fostering healthier, more resilient workplaces. The key takeaway? Employee well-being isn’t just a priority—it’s a business imperative with direct impact on the bottom line.

Leah Cotterill, CEO of Cigna Healthcare Middle East & Africa, shared compelling findings from Cigna’s latest survey, revealing that women in the UAE report higher stress levels than men, largely due to workplace and financial pressures. She underscored the importance of prioritizing mental health and providing targeted support for female employees. Key focus areas included addressing financial stress, loneliness, and sleep challenges, alongside actionable steps for companies to integrate well-being into their corporate strategies.

Panel discussion takeaways:

Moderated by Abeer Al Husseini (عبير الحسيني), Partner at Fragomen, the panel provided real-world insights on workforce well-being from industry experts:

🔹 Leah Cotterill (Cigna Healthcare Middle East & Africa) – Shared data-driven strategies for embedding wellness into organizational culture.
🔹 Tomasz Bortnik (Citi) – Highlighted the role of financial wellness in overall employee well-being and how employers can support their teams.
🔹 Scott Armstrong (mentl) – Addressed the importance of digital well-being, urging professionals to set boundaries and prevent burnout.
🔹 Dr. Marwa Monajid (American Hospital Dubai) – Emphasized the connection between self-care and professional performance, outlining ways workplaces can support employees facing anxiety, burnout, and physical challenges.