While technology can automate repetitive tasks and streamline workflows, it can also affect employee well-being. With less time required for time-consuming activities, workers become less stressed and feel more valued while focusing on their core responsibilities.
According to a 2021 global survey, workplace stress was at an all-time high at 44%, and about 60% of employees felt detached from their jobs. As every business owner knows, the success of an organization hinges on keeping its employees healthy and happy.
Besides automating workflows, strategically using technology can boost your team’s well-being. Here are some ways how:
1. Offer Flexible Work Arrangements
Technology has enabled employees to work from anywhere, at any time. Employers can use technology to offer flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or flexible hours. Hence, employees can achieve a better work-life balance, improving mental and physical health. As a result, workers become more productive, engaged, and motivated to do their best.
However, technological upgrades may be necessary to enable small businesses to provide this option to their employees. It’s best to hire NDatastor.com and similar firms if companies want to upgrade their information technology (IT) infrastructure, keep their data secure, or see whether their current one can handle the requirements.
2. Clean and Sanitize Workspaces Frequently
The pandemic has prompted businesses to ensure clean and sanitized workspaces to promote employee wellness. Companies must include cleaning and sanitation in their wellness programs to avoid spreading infectious diseases.
Nowadays, you can use air purifiers, cleaning robots, ultraviolet lights, and other technologies to sanitize surfaces, filter air pollutants, and reduce the spread of germs. Robots can clean high-traffic areas like lobbies, conferences, and break rooms. Meanwhile, some companies benefit from electrostatic sprayers in disinfecting surfaces quickly and effectively.
Besides active cleaning, companies must ensure their premises are clean with the help of an all-in-one solution offered by Optisolve.net. This app assesses and detects risks and identifies areas for improvement in an organization’s cleaning and sanitation strategies.
3. Provide Online Access to Mental Health Resources
Mental health is a crucial aspect of staff well-being. Employers can use technology to provide their employees with mental health resources. These may include online counseling services, mental health apps, stress management, and mindfulness resources.
Online resources can help employees manage their mental health and reduce stress, increasing productivity and job satisfaction. Employers can offer virtual mental health services as part of their team benefits package to promote mental health and well-being.
4. Using Ergonomic Technology
Sitting at a desk for long periods can negatively affect an employee’s physical health. Employers can buy new furniture integrated with ergonomic technology to reduce health risks. Good workplace ergonomics help minimize employee discomfort, making them more productive.
Ergonomic technology, which includes standing desks and ergonomic chairs, can help employees maintain good posture and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Employers can provide ergonomic technology in the workplace to promote physical well-being.
5. Comprehensive Wellness Programs
Besides advanced office fixtures and access to online mental health resources, companies can tap existing technologies like apps and wearable devices to promote well-being.
- Providing Nutritional Support: Employers can utilize technology to provide their employees with nutritional support, such as healthy eating resources, nutritionist access, and healthy snack options. Nutritional support can help employees make healthier choices.
- Encouraging Physical Activity: Using technology, employers can encourage physical activity in the workplace. Fitness apps, launching fitness challenges, and group exercises can improve physical health and boost staff morale and camaraderie.
- Wearable technologies: Fitness trackers and smartwatches can help employees track their physical activity levels and overall health. Doing so can increase workers’ health awareness and encourage them to make healthier choices. Some employers offer incentives for employees who meet specific fitness goals using wearable technology.
- Meditation apps: Meditation offers numerous benefits for mental health, including reducing stress and anxiety. Employers can offer subscriptions to these apps as part of their employee wellness programs.
On the other hand, it’s unacceptable to use a holistic wellness program as an excuse to replace mandatory insurance and other benefits. Employers are still required to prepare for unexpected health issues. On the upside, companies will likely see reduced absenteeism, dissatisfaction, and low productivity levels, once they establish an effective wellness program.
Conclusion
Utilizing technology for employee well-being can have numerous benefits for both employees and employers. By implementing the tips above, employers can promote better work-life balance and foster connections and collaboration among their workers.
However, the tips above are just a few examples of how technology can promote employee well-being. Businesses can still innovate using technology to create a workplace culture prioritizing staff health and well-being. Investing in such activities is in every employer’s interest if they want to reap greater business success.