Technology in the workplace creates the opportunity for employers to personalise wellbeing strategies by using data-driven insights to tailor interventions and support employee needs. Ultimately, this can lead to healthier and more productive employees.
If you are an employer trying to navigate the busy technology space and decide which aspects will have the greatest impact, speak with your Mattioli Woods consultant or email us today.
This article explores the increasing use of technology in the workplace and the exciting options available to help improve the health of workers, engagement and ultimately productivity.
Background
Access to mobile phone health apps, wearable devices, helplines and platforms offering GP and healthcare services have made it easier than ever for individuals to monitor their health, make healthier lifestyle choices and access support. The workplace and benefit platforms are now becoming the go-to place for a one-stop shop to access these services.
The majority of employee benefits providers offer some form of technology to assist employers to educate and engage employees with health benefits. Examples include online financial wellbeing support from pension providers (either via dashboards or mobile apps), through to digital cancer care pathway suppliers in the private medical sector.
Mattioli Woods considers wellbeing under three main pillars: physical, financial and mental health.
Physical wellbeing
Technology to track health and exercise is becoming increasingly popular. A recent study by YouGov reported that in a population of 2,199 UK adults, 48% have used technology to track their exercise.[1] In working age adults, this may be even higher.
Employers can use their employee benefits provider services to leverage the benefits of exercise monitoring. One of the most recognised mainstream providers to combine the use of wearable trackers to record, monitor and encourage physical activities is Vitality. It offers discounted health trackers to members of its group private medical plans, where the user can receive reductions to the overall cost of the tracker if they engage in a healthy lifestyle.
A recent innovation we have seen many providers include in their offering is SkinVision, an app that claims to make skin cancer detection 90% accurate for the users.[2] At a time where there is increasing concern about skin cancer, this service is a welcome offering for many employees.
Mental wellbeing
Employee assistance helplines have been available in the UK since the 1970s but became a standard part of employee benefits offerings after 2005, when the work concluded on ‘Stress Management Standards’ in 2005 by the Health and Safety Executive[3] highlighted the need for additional support for employees in the workplace.
Technology has broken down traditional barriers to care. Through the use of online therapy, virtual support groups and mental health apps provide accessible, affordable, and often anonymous support. This is especially valuable for those in remote locations or who face stigma around seeking help.
Financial wellbeing
While there may be an element of ‘mental health fatigue’, the very real factors that contribute to a decline in an employee’s financial wellbeing remain an important influence in causing mental health issues. The cost of living crisis is continuing to have an impact, with no end in sight. Both Council Tax (average Band D increase of 5%, but the permitted increase was higher – up to 10% in exceptional cases in some areas)[4] and water rates have increased significantly in April 2025 (19-47%) in most areas[5] and will continue to put pressure on the most vulnerable employee populations.
Technology in the workplace can offer employees a safe route to educate themselves and seek assistance to manage complex financial situations.
Technology that offers access to flexible benefits allows employees to engage with employee benefits in a very personal way, encouraging them to evaluate what is on offer and select those benefits that best suit their personal circumstances.
What next?
If you are an employer and would like to explore the technology options further, contact your Mattioli Woods consultant or email us today.
2SkinVision | Skin cancer detection app
3The UK Employee Assistance Professionals Association | Association background
4GOV.UK | Council Tax levels set by local authorities in England 2025 to 2026 (revised)
5Water UK | Annual average bill changes 2025 – 2026
Content correct at time of writing.
