Why Employers Love Tech-Based Wellness Programs
Photo Credit: A woman is shown using a laptop wearing a wearable device. As of 2018, 6 million employees worldwide received a wearable device as part of an office wellness program. Pexels / @divinetechygirl
Skift Take
Tech is weaving its way into workplace wellness programs, offering big perks to employers and employees. But some wonder whether the data workers share through these trackers could come back to bite them later on.
Now that the boundaries between work and wellness are blurring, it’s no surprise that tech-based programs are on the rise in workplaces. Back in 2016, 2 million employees worldwide received a wearable device as part of an office wellness program. As of 2018, that number was up to 6 million –– an increase of 4 million in two years, according to CBS News.
Yes, the perks can be real for employees. Not only do they get a free device, which could cost upwards of $100, but workers earn real money, too. For example, some employees taking part in UnitedHealthcare Motion received $1,000 to put toward co-pays and other medical costs if they reached certain step goals.
Employers see these programs as a financial win. Companies may save on premiums, and healthier employees might be more productive and miss fewer days of work. Plus, companies can come across as forward-thinking by offering such wellness perks.
The concern, though, is a big one. How much personal data do employees fo
