• Just under two-thirds (63%) of employees aged 45 and above expressed satisfaction with the current healthcare insurance package provided by their organisation
  • Nearly half (40%) say that the quality of the healthcare package is a major factor in their decision to change jobs

Dubai, UAE – Leading healthcare providers Sukoon and Bupa Global have released the findings of a new survey on age diversity and inclusion in the UAE workplace. The survey explores the interconnected dynamics of age diversity and healthcare amongst UAE organisations.

A clear consensus is revealed in the survey; age diversity and inclusion is vital for fostering creativity and a positive working environment, according to a majority (70%) of senior leaders and decision-makers. This sentiment is echoed by almost two-thirds (65%) of mid- to junior-level employees, underscoring its significance across the workforce.

A Shift in Workforce Dynamics

For the first time in history, there are now four to five generations simultaneously working side by side. This includes Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Baby Boomers, and even members of the Silent Generation who continue to work well into their late 70s and early 80s. While the UAE is currently seeing up to four generations in the workforce, it is expected that a shift to five generations will follow in line with global trends observed in countries such as the UK, USA, and Australia.

Dean Pollard, General Manager, Bupa Global Middle East and Asia, emphasises the evolving nature of ageing and the requirement for organisations to adapt so they can accommodate a multi-generational workforce. He said, "In this age of increased longevity, we must recognise that the concept of ageing is undergoing a transformation. We are stepping into a new era of work that demands a swift shift in our mindset. Ensuring healthcare inclusivity is not merely a means to support present individuals; it is also a vital step in reimagining the healthcare landscape for the generations to come." 

What Age Diversity Means in the Workplace

When asked what age diversity means to them in the workplace, UAE employees identified "Acceptance of all ages in the workplace" as the key meaning, with over half of respondents (58%) selecting this definition. Additionally, almost half (47%) employees associated age diversity as a source of “a rich pool of experiences and knowledge transfer”.

Over half (55%) of surveyed employees have noticed an influx of younger professionals below the age of 40 into their workplaces. This finding not only reiterates the increasing number of millennials and members of Generation Z entering the job market, but also indicates the evolving composition of the workforce. Simultaneously, the survey underscores the enduring presence of experienced employees, with over one-fifth (21%) of respondents recognising an uptick in employees aged 40 and above.

This shows that in the context of age diversity, it's essential to consider not only how different age groups contribute to workplace dynamics, but also how their unique perspectives shape other aspects of their lives and needs, such as healthcare.

Tailoring Services to Individual Needs

The survey also revealed that a holistic approach to healthcare benefits is essential to cater to the diverse and evolving needs of a multi-generational workforce.

In terms of healthcare needs, dental coverage topped the list for two fifths of respondents (41%). Following closely, over a third prioritised both quality service practitioners (39%), and family cover (37%), recognising the importance of extending healthcare benefits to their loved ones.

However, the survey disclosed a significant generational trend. Respondents aged 25 to 34 (35%) highlighted the significance of mental health, reflecting a growing awareness of its importance in overall wellness, particularly among younger generations advocating for open discussions about mental wellbeing. Notably, over a quarter (27%) of employees aged 45 and above also recognised the significance of mental health.

Challenges in Retaining a Multi-Generational Workforce

Despite seeing a boom in older employees, a quarter (24%) of companies struggle to recruit and retain employees over the age of 50. Sukoon and Bupa Global’s survey showcased varying levels of employee satisfaction across different age groups. Just over two-thirds (69%) of employees aged 45 and above believe that their current company offers healthcare benefits that cater to their specific needs, compared to a higher percentage (78%) within the 25-34 age bracket.

This discrepancy highlights the importance of organisations recognising and addressing the unique healthcare needs of older employees, including age-related health concerns, chronic conditions, family-related health needs and proactively adapting their healthcare packages accordingly.

Moreover, just under two-thirds (63%) of UAE employees aged 45 and above expressed satisfaction with the current healthcare insurance package provided by their organisation, compared to 78% of employees in the 21-24 age bracket and 71% of employees in the 25-34 age group.

This finding emphasises the imperative need for organisations to not only provide comprehensive healthcare coverage, but also ensure that the coverage is aligned with the diverse expectations and life stages of their employees.

Healthcare Benefits Are Key to Differentiation

Two out of every five respondents (40%) interestingly stated that the quality of the healthcare package is a top priority when making job change decisions. This is particularly important for the age group of 21-24, where half of the respondents (50%) consider healthcare benefits a crucial factor. Additionally, when asked about their experience at their current jobs, financial recognition was observed to be the most valued benefit for employees, with a third (34%) of respondents prioritising it, followed by better healthcare (28%).

Significantly, a majority (75%) of all UAE employees desire a substantial say in tailoring their health insurance coverage to their various life stages and circumstances. Among employees aged 45 and above, this figure was 71%, and for those in the 25 to 34 age group, it reached 81%.

This trend signals a shift towards more flexible and personalised healthcare packages that cater to individual life stages, circumstances, and needs of the multi-generational workforce.

Overall, Bupa Global and Sukoon’s survey underscores the vital importance of age diversity and inclusion in the evolving workplace. As workforce dynamics shift, organisations must adapt to changing demographics and embrace age diversity to create an inclusive environment valuing unique perspectives and experiences across all generations. A significant majority of senior employees and decision-makers within organisations (66%) believe their company maintains an open approach to implementing innovative practices, structural adjustments, and behaviours, including initiatives like mental health awareness and wellbeing education, aimed at fostering a healthier and more productive work environment.

Sukoon and Bupa Global are sponsoring the HRSE (HR Summit & Expo) at the Dubai World Trade Center on 24th and 25th October 2023, where they will be sharing insights from their survey to unlock the power of a multi-generational workforce.

Notes:

  • 70% of senior leaders and 65% of mid-to-junior level employees emphasise the importance of age diversity and inclusion in the workplace
  • 55% of employees have noticed an increase in professionals under 40 in their workplaces
  • Dental coverage (41%), quality service practitioners (39%), and family cover (37%) are top healthcare priorities for surveyed employees
  • 69% of employees aged 45 and above believe their company offers healthcare benefits tailored to their needs, compared to 78% in the 25-34 age group
  • 63% of UAE employees aged 45 and above are satisfied with their current healthcare insurance package, compared to 78% in the 21-24 age bracket and 71% in the 25-34 age group
  • 40% prioritise healthcare package quality when considering job changes, especially those aged 21-24 (50%)
  • Financial recognition (34%) and better healthcare (28%) are valued benefits at current jobs
  • 75% of UAE employees want more control over tailoring their health insurance to their life stages and circumstances, with 71% in the 45+ age group and 81% in the 25-34 age group
  • 66% of senior employees and decision-makers believe their company is open to implementing new practices and wellbeing initiatives for a healthier work environment

About the survey 

The survey on age diversity and inclusion in the UAE workplace was conducted by Sukoon and Bupa Global through an online survey by YouGov. It took place from September 21st to September 27th, 2023, and reached a total of 405 full-time employees, encompassing a wide range of age groups, industries, and backgrounds.

About Bupa Global    

Bupa's purpose is helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world.    

Bupa Global is the premium health insurance arm of Bupa. Established in 1971, it provides individuals, small businesses and corporate customers international coverage with products and services so they can access the healthcare they need, when they need it, whether at home or when studying, living, travelling or working abroad. With a multilingual team of advisers, Bupa Global serves customers across the globe and can provide access to c.1.7m medical providers on a direct settlement basis. Offices are located in London and Brighton (UK), Miami and Philadelphia (USA), Dublin (Ireland), Cairo (Egypt), Dubai (UAE), and Hong Kong (China) as well as regional offices in Mainland China and Singapore. 

For more information about Bupa Global visit www.bupaglobal.com 

About Sukoon

Established in 1975, Oman Insurance Company P.S.C. ("Sukoon”) is one of the leading insurance providers in the UAE. They provide a wide range of comprehensive insurance solutions to more than 800,000 individuals and commercial clients in healthcare, motor, life and general (property, energy, engineering, aviation, marine and liability) insurance. Sukoon has operations across all Emirates in the UAE as well as in Oman.

Sukoon is committed to providing outstanding insurance solutions that help create and protect wealth and wellbeing. The Dubai-based company achieve this mission by serving businesses and individuals with a team of 650 professionals through an intensive distribution network of branches, brokers, bancassurance partners, agencies, an e-commerce platform, and a dedicated call center.

Sukoon recorded gross written premiums (GWP) of AED 4.39 billion in 2022. A public stock company, it is listed on the Dubai Financial Market stock exchange. A financially sound company, Sukoon is A rated by Standard & Poor's and A2 by Moody's.

At our core, the company is a customer-centric organisation, with a single-minded focus on service. Their priority has always been to build long term client relationships, with complete customer satisfaction as most important, non-negotiable objective. Put simply, Sukoon wants to become a reference in the region for excellent customer service.

To know more, please visit www.sukoon.com.

Media Contact:
Krisha Doshi
House of Comms
bupaglobal@houseofcomms.com