Mental Health In The Workplace

• Published date: 15 March 2024
• Subject Matter: Employment and HR, Food, Drugs, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Health & Safety, Employee Rights/ Labour Relations
• Law Firm: Hamdan AlShamsi Lawyers & Legal Consultants
• Author: Jawaher Al Ghaith

A safe and healthy work environment is a fundamental right for all employees. Federal Law No. 10 of 2023 on Mental Health embodies the vision of the UAE's wise leadership, emphasizing the importance of individuals in the society. The law aims to preserve the dignity and rights of mental health patients, reducing the negative effects of disorders and promoting their integration in the work force.

A decent work environment positively impacts mental health by establishing routines and regulating the employees' life cycle. This fosters a sense of achievement and facilitates interaction with the society. Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021, Article (2), aims to regulate labor relations to ensure the efficiency of the labor market, and thereby contributing to national development in the UAE.

A negative work environment affects employees through inadequate investment in career development, deterioration of working conditions, and the accumulation of negative behaviors in the workplace, which in turn, plays a role in the development of mental illnesses. These illnesses not only impact the individual but also the society at large. Consequently, we observe that the legislation of Federal Law No. (10) of 2023 on mental health, aims to integrate individuals with mental health conditions into the workforce.

Legally, if an employee experiences disorders at work, there are two options; The first involves referring the employee to a licensed psychiatric care provider for treatment as per the law's regulations.

The second, in cases of severe psychological disorders which may pose a risk to oneself...