Middle East employers are ‘doing a good job’ in prioritizing workforce health and safety
Employers operating in the Middle East are moving rapidly to protect employees, maintain business continuity and strengthen crisis preparedness as geopolitical tensions across the region reshape workforce risks, according to new research from WTW. Employees are positive about how their employer is managing the issue.
The survey of WTW, which canvassed the views of over 280 employers across the Middle East in April, shows that the latest phase of conflict is having a clear and immediate impact on employees, with heightened safety, travel and wellbeing concerns now central to employer decision-making.
Employers reported that their top three areas of impact were mental wellbeing concerns among employees (72%), increased employee safety concerns (71%) and increased travel restrictions (59%). Business continuity challenges were also cited by 60% of organizations as having a significant or moderate impact, reflecting operational uncertainty and disruption across multiple markets.
WTW’s study shows that employers in the region have been relatively quick in responding to the changing environment, both through crisis frameworks as well as through changes to HR policies. Almost eight in ten (78%) organisations have already taken action on remote or flexible working arrangements, enabling employees to work from alternative locations where feasible.
Over two-thirds (68%) report action taken on crisis management and emergency protocols, as well as on security and safety policies, highlighting the shift towards rapid-response workforce planning.
Travel and mobility policies are also being tightened. More than two-thirds of employers (68%) have already taken action on business travel policies, while others are reviewing expatriate relocation arrangements, temporary housing support for displaced employees and emergency leave provisions.
Wellbeing support has emerged as a critical lever. More than three-quarters (79%) of organisations report increased communication from leadership, while seven in 10 (70%) have expanded security briefings and safety guidance for employees. Mental health and counselling services have been strengthened by two-thirds (66%) of respondents, underlining the psychological toll of prolonged uncertainty and the evolving regional environment.
Financial measures, while less widespread, are also being used selectively. A minority of employers have brought forward salary (15%) or bonus (13%) payments to ease short-term pressure on employees, while hardship allowances and salary review changes remain under consideration for specific workforce segments rather than applied universally.
How employees perceive the crisis response
Notably, WTW’s survey found that employees in the region are positive about how their employers have handled the geopolitical conflict and its aftermath. In terms of HR policies and wellbeing measures, over 95% of employees expressed a positive view of the actions taken by management and HR teams.
In the case of compensation and benefits, dissatisfaction is highest among operational staff, although this represents fewer than one in ten respondents overall.
Reflection from WTW
Commenting on the findings of the report, Ahmad Waarie, Managing Director and Head of Work & Rewards & Employee Experience for the CEEMEA region at WTW, said: “The current situation is testing the resilience of employers and employees alike.”
“What comes through clearly in this survey is that organisations are acting quickly to protect people first – strengthening safety, wellbeing and crisis response measures while trying to keep operations moving. Employers are increasingly aware that clear communication, practical support and credible emergency planning are essential to sustaining trust in times of uncertainty.”
