In today's fast-paced work environment, maintaining high levels of productivity is crucial for businesses to stay competitive. Productivity is a function of physical and mental wellbeing. Unhealthy habits, stress & sleep issues plus rising incidence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, obesity, PCOS etc lead to suboptimal productivity and absenteeism. Fortunately, the emergence of digital therapeutics offers a promising solution to tackle these issues. By leveraging innovative technologies and evidence-based interventions, digital therapeutics can empower employees to adopt healthier habits, improve their overall well-being, reduce absenteeism and fight the epidemic of chronic diseases. This article explores the potential of digital therapeutics as a powerful tool to boost workplace productivity.
Understanding Digital Therapeutics
Digital therapeutics refer to evidence-based interventions delivered through digital platforms, such as mobile applications, wearables, and online platforms. These interventions are designed to address specific health conditions or improve overall well-being. They often combine elements of behavioral science, psychology, and technology to provide personalized support and guidance to individuals.
Promoting Healthier Habits
Unhealthy habits, such as sedentary lifestyle, poor nutrition, and inadequate sleep, can have a significant impact on workplace productivity. Digital therapeutics offer various features and strategies to help employees adopt healthier habits. For instance, mobile applications can provide personalized exercise plans, reminders for regular breaks, and nutrition tracking tools. Wearable devices can track physical activity levels and provide real-time feedback, motivating individuals to stay active throughout the day. By encouraging healthier habits, digital therapeutics can enhance energy levels, focus, and overall well-being, leading to increased productivity in the workplace.
Managing Stress and Mental Health
Digital therapeutics offer effective solutions for managing stress and improving mental well-being. Meditation and mindfulness features with DTx apps provide guided exercises to help employees reduce stress and enhance their ability to concentrate. DTx apps platforms can offer cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) programs to address anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. By supporting employees' mental well-being, digital therapeutics can foster a more positive work environment, reduce absenteeism, and increase productivity.
Personalized Feedback and Gamification
Digital therapeutics leverage technology to provide personalized feedback and gamified experiences. Employees can receive real-time data on their habits, progress, and achievements. Gamification elements, such as rewards, challenges, and leaderboards, make the process more engaging and enjoyable. This approach enhances motivation and encourages employees to maintain healthy habits, leading to improved workplace productivity.
Data-driven Insights and Continuous Improvement
Digital therapeutics generate vast amounts of data through user interactions, behavior tracking, and progress monitoring. This data can be analysed to gain insights into employees' health patterns, challenges, and preferences. Companies can use these insights to tailor wellness programs, optimize workplace conditions, and identify areas for improvement. By continuously refining interventions based on data-driven insights, digital therapeutics can create a proactive approach to boost workplace productivity.
Fighting chronic disease epidemic at workplace
Employees today besides managing busy work schedules have to also keep a track of high risk of lifestyle diseases. Data from Fitterfly diabetes risk calculators in corporations shows that almost 20% of employees may have prediabetes, PCOS, diabetes and nearly 40% may be having a BMI above 25 which puts them at risk of other conditions. Also, a large number may have dyslipidemia and hypertension. Research shows that there is a 4-20% productivity* loss due to diabetes and related disorders. Digital therapeutic programs can help with diabetes risk reduction, help in sustained weight loss, lower lipid level & blood pressure and also heart disease risk. This also leads to improvement in productivity while saving employee’s time spent on treatment of lifestyle diseases and also direct cost reduction in short & long term.
Conclusion
Boosting workplace productivity requires a comprehensive approach that addresses employees' health and well-being. Digital therapeutics provide an innovative and scalable solution to promote healthier habits, manage stress, and improve mental well-being while reducing burden of chronic diseases in the workforce. By leveraging technology, personalized feedback, and data-driven insights, digital therapeutics empower employees to make positive changes in their lives. As companies invest in digital therapeutics, they can foster a healthier workforce, reduce absenteeism, and ultimately enhance productivity in the workplace. Embracing this transformative approach will pave the way for a more productive and prosperous future.
The article is authored by Dr Arbinder Singal, CEO & Co-Founder, Fitterfly.
