Energy-focused psychological consultancy IntrospeXion has announced a new contract with a major UAE-based operator to deliver a company-wide mental health and wellbeing programme that will support employees across onshore, remote, and offshore sites
Increased focus on psychological wellbeing
Psychosocial risk factors have been strongly associated with cardiovascular diseases and mental health conditions. The ILO noted that these risks impose substantial economic and social costs, affecting productivity, increasing healthcare burdens and undermining organisational resilience. As such, creating safe and healthy working environments is not only a moral imperative but also a key driver of sustainable economic performance, it says. Oil and gas and energy workers are particularly at risk of psychological stress given factors such as loneliness and isolation due to remote and offshore environments, stress due to working in hazardous conditions and fatigue due to shift patterns, with one in five oilfield employees reporting struggles with depression, anxiety or other issues according to a recent study. This has an impact not only on productivity, but also on safety.
Occupational health and safety is evolving in the region to put a stronger focus on psychological factors and mental wellbeing, as companies prioritise the wellbeing of their employees to bolster resilience, support teams, and embed psychologically safe practices within safety cultures. The UAE’s National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031 includes provisions for worker and workplace wellbeing, mandating specific workplace mental health pillars.
Comprehensive workplace psychological wellbeing programme
Against this background, the operator has appointed IntrospeXion to deliver a comprehensive workplace psychological wellbeing programme for its local workforce. Working closely with senior leaders, IntrospeXion's team of psychologists will design and implement a bespoke strategy that reflects the unique operational demands of the energy sector while strengthening psychological health, leadership capability and workforce resilience across the client's UAE operations.
The programme will include psychological profiling, executive coaching, workplace mental health strategy, psychological risk assessment, wellbeing workshops, confidential employee support, critical incident response, and specialist consultancy support. Support will be tailored to the operational realities of both office-based and field personnel across the UAE, helping to aid performance, reduce psychological risk, prevent burnout, and build a resilient workforce.
This collaboration builds on IntrospeXion’s growth in the UAE and wider Middle East, reflecting the increasing demand for its services. Earlier this year, the company announced the launch of a new regional operation, signifying the organisation's ability to deliver specialist workplace psychological services in-country, since when it has established a base in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi.
Shabnum Hanif, CEO and founder of IntrospeXion commented, “The energy sector has long recognised the importance of protecting physical safety, and we're now seeing forward-thinking organisations place the same strategic focus on psychological safety & wellbeing. Supporting people's mental health isn't simply about preventing ill health; it's about enabling individuals, leaders and organisations to perform at their very best. We're proud to deliver an evidence-based programme that will develop leadership, build resilience, and create lasting value for workforces across the UAE."
