By Emily Ketchen
In a fast-paced, tech-driven world, it’s not unusual to be surrounded by multiple devices and screens creating a sensory overload. We rarely stop to consider how it might be affecting our well-being. While some companies have instituted programs to promote wellness, whether it’s offering free fitness classes or access to therapy services, few contemplate how technology can actually promote digital wellness. The average share of adults reporting symptoms of anxiety and/or depression has increased from 11 percent in 2019 to 31.5 percent by March of 2022. Thankfully, more than three quarters say good technology has a positive impact on a work/life balance.
The work-from-anywhere culture is prompting more companies to assess technology that is tailored to the evolved needs and behaviors of the workforce. As wellness in the workplace is progressively discussed and researched among organizations, devices that are collaborative, accessible, and secure can contribute to improved well-being and will further advance tech enablement for Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs).
Collaborative Technology Promotes Digital Wellness
By equipping teams with portable and reliable technology that prioritizes effective collaboration, SMBs can empower their employees to bring their best ideas to the table while maintaining the social contact that most of us need. With teams working in various remote locations, people need to utilize technology to substitute the office interactions that we all took for granted. Nearly half have felt isolated working from home. Taking a few minutes to chat with someone can shift your mood or workflow for the better. Never underestimate the beneficial impact of a group chat or direct message above and beyond the businessas-usual conference calls.
Seek out devices that focus on high quality webcams, premium audio, and microphones that can sense and minimize ambient noise. With a secure and reliable connection, stressfree video calls go a long way to enhance
well-being. But don’t enforce “video-on” conferencing policies. According to a recen survey by Virtira Consulting, 49 percent report exhaustion due to having their webcam on constantly during online meetings.
Accessible Technology Enables the Well-Being of a Diverse Workforce
For many people, accessible technology means independence, freedom, and empowerment. Accessible technology helps promote a more inclusive workplace that benefits all. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to accessibility because equal access does not mean the same thing for all people.
Certain companies are working hard to play their part in finding innovative solutions. One in particular, the number one PC manufacturer across the globe, established a foundation to help under-represented communities get access to technology and STEM education. Innovation comes through the diversity of talent; and giving everyone an equal opportunity in science, technology, engineering, and math fields will cultivate the entrepreneurs and inventors of tomorrow.
The PC manufacturer also created a Product Diversity Office (PDO) with the goal to embed diversity and inclusion into their product design and development process. By leading with a diversity-by-design mentality, accessible technology can make a huge difference and support inclusivity. An example of that is having a raised bar on the F and J keys which helps orient alignment on the keyboard for users with visual impairments.
Utilize Secure Technology to Help Provide Employees a Peace of Mind
As a consequence of the pandemic, companies are accelerating digital transformations, including AI and IoT solutions, to help monitor safety and wellbeing in physical workplaces. However, with remote working here to stay, the increasingly blurred lines between personal and work devices are creating new challenges for IT staff.
Heightened awareness and demand for security and privacy protection continues to grow among consumers and employees working from home. To help alleviate some of the stress and concern to support digital wellness, SMBs should prioritize identifying their security and privacy measures so they are transparent and seamless for their endusers. Maximizing endpoint protection should and can be straightforward to reduce vulnerabilities of the users, their data, and their interactions with customers and colleagues.
Ultimately, the best ideation happens when diverse cultures work together to share their unique perspectives. By prioritizing digital wellness through collaborative, accessible, and secure solutions, people will feel supported and empowered to help their company succeed. How SMBs Can Promote Digital Wellness Through Collaborative, Accessible, and Secure Technology
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lenovo’s Chief Marketing Officer & VP of Intelligent Devices Group, Emily Ketchen, is responsible for managing and leading complex B2B and consumer brand challenges into meaningful and measurable results.
www.Lenovo.com
