Technology is often treated with caution and scepticism, especially where employee wellbeing is concerned, and rumours abound that workers will be replaced by AI and robotics.
In reality, the vast majority of technology is there to augment the human workforce, making it part of the solution. What’s more, it can play a huge role in wellbeing, addressing everything from workplace design to better collaboration and teamwork.
Many businesses are already investing in these solutions to support wellbeing, as the research shows.
Fig. 6. How AI/tech can help address wellbeing concerns
In which ways so you think AI and technology can help to address wellbeing concerns?
There are also some specific solutions that can be deployed now to help organisations tackle loneliness and social isolation head on:
1. Use apps to support mental health
Apps such as Headspace have seen considerable uptake by those looking to undertake mediation or mindfulness exercise at home. Offering corporate packages can encourage this activity and help people reduce their levels of stress and anxiety.
2. Invest in video conferencing to combat social distancing
The research identified loneliness through lack of face-to-face or social contact as being significant risk to wellbeing. By encouraging the use of video conferencing through communications solutions such as O365, people can maintain some semblance of face-to-face contact with their colleagues.
3. Maintain productivity through online training
Not enough work to do can be as demoralising as having too much – especially when people have concerns around job security. Online training allows people to remain productive and improve their skillset, giving them flexibility to attend around their work schedule. This benefits both them and the business.
4. Give staff peace of mind on pay
Using time management apps allows homeworkers to log their hours and absences remotely using web and mobile devices; this gives employees peace of mind that they will be paid accurately for the work they have done.
