Emrill records surge in employee counselling uptake as UAE firm expands wellbeing programme

UAE-based integrated facilities management provider Emrill has reinforced its employee wellbeing strategy through a range of people-first initiatives, with measurable increases in mental health service uptake pointing to a shift in how its 12,000-strong workforce is engaging with workplace support. The development is relevant to HR professionals benchmarking mental health programme effectiveness across large, operationally complex organisations.

As reported by CBNME, Emrill's 'A Better You' programme, delivered in partnership with LifeWorks, provides employees and their families with access to confidential counselling, wellbeing resources, and professional mental health support.

Between January and mid-March 2026, counselling sessions increased by over 230%, with anxiety-related cases rising more than five times during the same period. The company attributed the uplift to greater openness among employees to proactively seek support during a period of heightened operational demand.

Aarti Oberoi, founder of LifeWorks, said: "Periods of uncertainty can significantly impact emotional wellbeing. Our role is to ensure individuals feel supported, heard and equipped with the tools to navigate these challenges."

Emrill has also introduced flexible working arrangements where operationally feasible, while maintaining structured on-site engagement through toolbox talks, site briefings, and multi-channel internal communications including an intranet platform and regular team meetings.

Leadership engagement forms a further component of the strategy, with senior management conducting regular site visits and structured forums including Lunch with the CEO and Coffee with the CFO providing direct access between frontline staff and the executive team.

CEO Stuart Harrison said: "Facilities management is fundamentally a people-driven industry, and the wellbeing of our employees remains our highest priority." Harrison added that ensuring teams feel supported and connected strengthens both workforce resilience and service delivery to clients.

Read the full details of Emrill's people-first strategy.