Tools to Help Employee Well-Being
Mental health and stamina is a part of work that is now appearing in different aspects of business operations, including technology.
“We need to think about how we empower human ingenuity — the same ingenuity that creates value for the organization that only humans possess,” Spataro said. “We do that by prioritizing individual well-being.”
One way Microsoft is trying to help organizations balance these priorities is with Microsoft Graph. Built into Microsoft 365, the tool collects data on how employees are working, then uses artificial intelligence to suggest next steps and solutions. It delivers personalized assistance right within the flow of work and can provide insight into specific work behaviors.
“Insight into the factors that impact the day-to-day experience of their teams helps managers create a culture that enables people to do their best work while prioritizing individual well-being,” Spataro said.
There are also new tools to help workers create the separation in their lives that they used to have by going into an office.
“A virtual commute will add structure to the remote workday, carving out time to mindfully disconnect in the evening,” Spataro said. “Emotional check-ins help people pause and reflect on how the day went and observe emotional patterns over time.”
A new partnership with the meditation app Headspace builds guided meditation practices right into collaboration tools, giving employees the opportunity to take breaks as needed.
“It’s clear that people want to do great work,” Spataro said. “The big question: How can technology help?”
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