Mental health concerns and issues are becoming more prevalent in the workplace, the stresses and strains of modern society and the pressures of life are resulting in individuals feeling more anxious, depressed, stressed, and fatigued. All these affect employee well-being and job performance. 

The American Psychological Association poll found that 63% of adults’ lives after Covid have changed, many reported worse mental health, lower physical activity, poor sleep patterns, and unhealthy habits that all result in poor health and well-being in the workplace and a decline in productivity. 

Basic care for employees’ psychological well-being should be a fundamental expectation if we wish to continue having competitive and successful organisations and businesses. 

Why you need to invest in the mental health of your employees

• Increase productivity. 75% of employees experience mental health challenges that affect their productivity at work.
• Improve company culture. 42% of employees reported that toxic workplace culture has impacted their mental health.
• Attract and retain talent. 75% of millennials have left roles due to anxiety and lack of motivation.
• Prevent Burnout. 50% of employees feel in danger of burnout. 

Smart technology can play a significant role in supporting employees’ mental health and well-being and increasing productivity. Here are some ways you can implement smart technology to support your employees’ mental health. 

Mental health apps

There are a host of apps available that provide features like meditation, stress reduction techniques, mood tracking, and cognitive behavioural therapy exercises. They offer individuals a way to independently track and access support, managing their mental health. 

Technology, specifically wearable technology has progressed in leaps and bounds and today can help individuals track their health, dietary habits, blood pressure, stress levels, temperature, and reproductive cycle. All this is connected to the apps that can prove to be a valuable resource.

Wearable devices

We now know that wearable devices like smartwatches can help monitor a host of indicators, heart rate, activity and motion counters, and much more. However, there are also workplace or industrial wearable devices that can help improve safety and mental health. Newer technology that uses AI can help with automation, monitor workers’ movement with the help of commercial surveillance systems to ensure their safety, and send alerts when needed. 

Rapids SOS a wearable technology company asserts that wearable technology is here to stay but also has to be seen as more than a personal product.

“Wearables have the power to alter the employee experience into one that is more productive and ultimately more secure. New health and safety features now alert users of irregularities and health concerns through features like ECG tests, fall detection, and step trackers. In the case of a life-threatening situation, wearable devices can show first responders this real-time, vital data from wearables before they arrive at the scene of emergencies”.

Source: RapidSOS.com

Teletherapy and virtual counselling

After Covid19 many people have adopted alternative ways of working and accessing services remotely. This has helped by making types of therapy and counseling more accessible removing restrictions such as travel, diary restrictions, or lack of localized specialists. Virtual counseling platforms that allow employees to connect with mental health professionals remotely offer flexibility and privacy. 

Wellness and mental health platforms

Utilising digital platforms specifically designed to support individuals with mental health and well-being in the workplace. They often provide educational content, stress management tools, and access to mental health professionals. Employees can engage with these at their convenience, access support, and track their progress.  

Productivity and well-being tracking tools

Implementing smart productivity and well-being tracking tools that help employees track and manage their workflow and workload effectively while maintaining a healthy work-life balance will be beneficial to your business. These tools can also offer monitoring of work hours and breaks, and some even provide reminders for physical activities, hydration, and relaxation.

Flexible working 

Smart technology has enabled flexibility and creativity in working arrangements, such as remote working or flexible schedules. These arrangements can reduce stress and support employees’ mental health by providing better work-life integration and reducing stressful commuting-related challenges. There is still much debate on if flexible working is good for businesses or ultimately bad for employees. However, currently, it seems that flexible working has helped people engage with their jobs better, become more productive, avoid burnout, and combat stress and depression by providing more flexibility.  

Takeaway

Remember that smart technology can be a valuable tool and an important asset in today’s modern world. AI is continually pushing the boundaries and improving our personal and work-life balance. As this continues it is reasonable to assert that employees may become more productive and perhaps have more asked of them. 

However, this technology should never replace human interaction and support, technology must be combined with supportive work culture, open communication channels, and trained professionals who can offer personalized assistance when needed.

Adam Mulligan, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.