Fujairah: The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has organised a workshop under the theme 'Health-Supportive Work Environment' in the Emirate of Fujairah, in cooperation with the Fujairah Government Human Resources Department, to review the current status of 14 entities that have undergone assessment against the emirate's health-supportive workplace standards.
According to Emirates News Agency, the workshop was held under the 100-Day Projects Initiative, a series of short-term executive initiatives designed to deliver measurable outcomes, accelerate the implementation of priority projects, and support institutional performance improvement. The workshop aims to activate the National Guideline for Health Promoting Workplace 2025.
The initiative aligns with the Ministry's policy of integrating preventive health and wellbeing concepts into workplace systems, thereby enhancing quality of life and translating health policies into applied practices that improve employee health and raise performance efficiency. Additionally, it aligns with national priorities to build a more balanced and sustainable society.
During the workshop, MoHAP reviewed the results of assessments conducted across several federal and local entities in the Emirate of Fujairah. Discussions explored ways to develop a shared understanding of the critical role that individual health and healthy lifestyles play in shaping workplace environments.
The workshop also aimed to help participating entities identify health-related challenges linked to work patterns and strengthen their capacity to analyse institutional realities. This enables the development of innovative, practical solutions that respond to employees' needs, sustain performance, and promote work-life balance.
The objectives of the 'Health-Supportive Work Environment' project were discussed, as part of the activation plan for the National Guideline for Health-Promoting Workplace 2025. This provides a comprehensive framework for developing policies that support physical, mental, and social wellbeing.
The project aims to reduce health risk factors, promote positive behaviours, and support prevention and early detection. It contributes to higher job satisfaction and improved public health outcomes, while promoting sustainable institutional practices that enhance overall quality of life.
Additionally, the workshop outlined the approved framework for establishing healthy workplaces, starting with an assessment of the current environment and gap analysis, followed by programme planning and priority setting, and progressing to the implementation of initiatives and the periodic measurement of their impact.
Discussions focused on key areas for developing a health-supportive work environment, including strengthening organisational policies, promoting mental wellbeing, encouraging physical activity, and improving nutrition patterns. This ensures a holistic approach that addresses employees' needs and supports long-term institutional sustainability.
The workshop further explored the main pillars of the National Guideline for Health-Promoting Workplaces. These pillars include institutional support and governance policies, mental health and wellbeing, healthy lifestyle practices, occupational health and safety, health screening and prevention, maternal health support, and inclusive workplace practices for People of Determination.
Collectively, these pillars provide an integrated framework designed to enhance employee wellbeing, promote safer work environments, and reinforce sustainable organisational practices.
Dr Hussain Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector at MoHAP, stressed that the Ministry adopts an integrated preventive approach that places human health at the top of national policies and plans. He emphasized that healthy workplaces are key drivers of wellbeing and quality of life.
Dr Al Rand explained that the implementation of the National Guideline for Health Promoting Workplace reflects a practical commitment to translating indicators and assessments into clear, actionable plans. These plans focus on partnership and institutional integration to improve employee health, enhance organisational performance efficiency, and support the sustainability of the national health system, in line with the UAE's strategic directions.
Nouf Khamis Al Ali, Director of the Health Promotion Department at MoHAP, remarked that the workshop represents a significant transition from assessment to planning and implementation for entities that have applied the national guideline's standards. She highlighted that reviewing Fujairah's results and analysing opportunities for improvement support the shift towards strengthening a health-supportive work environment.
Al Ali noted that investing in employee wellbeing demonstrates the maturity and sustainability of institutional policies. She added that supportive workplace environments foster a positive organisational culture, enhance employee wellbeing, and contribute to an improved quality of life at work.