Using Tech to Tackle Workplace Stress

A Glimpse into the Future of Stress Management

An Office Tale
Meet Emily, a hardworking employee in a fast-paced corporate environment. As with many in the professional realm, her life is a juggling act between deadlines, emails, and meetings. The constant grind led to a burnout, weight gain, and dwindling motivation.

But what if there was a way for Emily to actively manage her stress using technology?

The Idea
Researchers, including Tomislav Jukic and Alojz Ihan, explored the possibility of engaging the workforce in stress prevention programs using a mobile health solution (mHealth). The aim? Encourage healthier lifestyle choices, promote well-being, and prevent burnout.

The Experiment
Seventeen participants from corporate settings were introduced to the 24alife app – a digital companion designed to monitor physical readiness, psychological evaluations, and biological stress markers. These participants were monitored over 90 days with intervals of 30 days. Moreover, their weight was tracked three times a month.

Outcomes
The response? Astounding! Users adhered to the app with a whopping 94.1% compliance rate. They reported feeling more motivated at work, experiencing fewer burnout symptoms, and an overall better sense of well-being. Some even shed up to four kilograms! On top of that, their physical readiness saw notable improvement.

The Bigger Picture
The success of such mHealth initiatives in the corporate environment suggests a bright future. Imagine a world where primary healthcare institutions or even health ministries adopt these systems. Patients could track their illnesses, enhancing their ability to care for themselves, directly from their smartphones!

It’s not just about preventing illnesses anymore; it’s about proactively promoting well-being, and technology is playing a pivotal role.

Want to delve deeper into the research? Check out the original study.