The fast paced corporate world has recognized the importance of investing in the well-being and mental health of its employees. With never-ending deadlines, new projects and other stress-inducing things, employees need an environment that caters to their mental health in order for them to be productive and more energetic in their work. When employees face mental health challenges, it can result in decreased performance, increased absenteeism, and lower overall morale. Stress, burnout, anxiety—these words have become synonymous with the modern workplace. According to recent studies, a staggering number of employees report feeling overwhelmed, with many citing work as a primary source of their mental health struggles. Which is why there is a need for innovative and unique strategies to enhance their mental health with the help of technology. The following are noteworthy ideas:
Tech driven wellness
Organizations are rapidly embracing tech-driven wellness programs to cultivate a culture of mental well-being among their workforce. Employees are receiving training and information about virtual mental health resources, guided meditations, online fitness courses for the mind, and many organizations send weekly and monthly reminders to employees for their wellness goals–all designed to boost both physical and mental vitality. By making these resources easily accessible, companies are actively encouraging employees to engage in wellness activities. It’s a modern approach that doesn’t just promise well-being; it delivers it, creating a healthier, more motivated workforce ready to take on any challenge.
Some ways to achieve tech-driven well being are:
- Digital Photo Albums for Workplace: In a digital photo album, employers and employees can save photos, videos and small clips for easy viewing. They can contain memories from team-building exercises, fun events, and other workplace activities to foster a sense of belonging and community. One can also add captions, tags and music to these photos and videos and can revisit them in stressful situations.
The digital photo album can also be used for mental health initiatives such as asking employees to upload anything they do to take care of their mental health or their self-care activities. Of course people who do not wish to should not be forced. - Technology for Awards and Recognition: Employees will feel motivated to work and happy in their workplace if their efforts and achievements are recognized and having a digital platform in the organization that keeps track of their achievements can be one way to boost their mental health. Platforms like Bonusly, Kudos, or Nectar enable employees to award points or badges to colleagues for their contributions which can be redeemed for rewards, creating a sense of accomplishment and positive reinforcement.
Companies can also use technology to offer wellness-based rewards, such as mental health app subscriptions, meditation courses, or fitness trackers to motivate more and more people to take care of their mental health.
Mental health technology
AI is transforming the mental health landscape by providing:
- Personalized Mental Health Apps: AI chatbots use well-developed algorithms to provide personalized care for the users. Chatbots such as Woebot and AI driven wellness coaches such as Stella provide nuanced solutions to problems that the employees might be encountering either in their personal or professional life while also educating them about mental health. They use a natural language and are developed to provide tailored solutions to individuals while suggesting lifestyle changes or even recommending visit to a professional.
- AI-Powered Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Employee assistance Programs driven by AI are revolutionizing support of employee mental health by offering services such as stress management to counseling. They analyze patterns in employee behavior, such as changes in productivity or communication, to identify early signs of burnout or distress. According to a study by Deloitte, companies leveraging AI in EAPs report a 20% increase in employee engagement and a 15% reduction in absenteeism due to mental health issues.
- Virtual Reality for Stress Relief: Employers and managers can include calming virtual reality sessions for their employees so that they can experience tranquil environments with relaxing sensations within the working hours to cool off any burnout. This is a unique way to manage stress and anxiety in the workplace and will also motivate more employees to engage with it. A 2022 study in Frontiers in Psychology demonstrated that VR-based mindfulness and relaxation exercises led to notable improvements in mood and reduced physiological stress markers.
Read up more on how to overcome burnout here.
Anonymous Feedback and Support Systems
Providing employees with an online platform where they can share their concerns and issues anonymously with any fear of reprisal can help them engage in healthy coping by opening up to their colleagues who can provide ways to deal with it. A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that anonymous feedback mechanisms significantly reduce the perceived risk of negative consequences, leading to greater disclosure of stress and burnout-related issues. It allows organizations to identify patterns and take proactive measures and offer additional support resources.
Online Mental Health Training
With over 46% of U.S. adults experiencing some form of mental illness in their lifetime, providing training can significantly enhance awareness and support among employees. Online mental health platforms such as United We Care provide courses and programs on wellness, stress management and in a way empower their employees to strive towards a better mental health. These programs also help employees to identify any signs of mental health issues that they or their colleagues might be struggling with and can offer support. This will lead to the creation of a healthy workplace that understands the profound importance of well being.
Click here to enroll in a wellness program to beat workplace burnout.
Ergonomic workspace design
A healthy mind needs a healthy body. In an ergonomic workplace, employees’ physical comfort is kept in mind with the goal of reducing discomfort and the risk of any injury. An ergonomic workspace can help individuals increase their concentration and reduce fatigue or discomfort:
- Adjustable Desks: Provide desks that are adjustable in heights. This allows employees to alternate between sitting and standing.
- Comfortable Seating: Invest in ergonomic chairs that would support good posture and prevent back pain.
- Proper Lighting: Make sure your workspace is properly illuminated with either good natural light or adjustable light so as to minimize stress on eyes and maximize one’s attention.
- A clutter-free workspace: While employers should provide spacious work spaces that are clean, employees should keep their personal areas clutter free for a serene atmosphere that will avert distraction.
Conclusion
Incorporating technology into a workplace is becoming imperative now in order to create and maintain a positive environment for the members and it can be done when everyone recognizes its importance and engages in a work culture that aims to promote awareness. Digital tools can be used for recognition, virtual activities, wellness programs, learning opportunities, flexible work settings, and more.
Achieving an enjoyable workplace where people can feel happy and motivated requires much effort and creativity but at the end it will pay off with better performance, better teamwork and a healthy and happy work environment.
References
Bleich, C. (2019, September 25). What Is Mental Health Training And How Could It Help My Team? EdgePoint Learning. https://www.edgepointlearning.com/blog/mental-health-training/
As workforce well-being dips, leaders ask: What will it take to move the needle? (n.d.). Deloitte Insights. https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/topics/talent/workplace-well-being-research.html
