Artificial intelligence is changing the way we work—and the way employers frame wellness for their workforces.
While AI can enhance productivity, support wellness initiatives, and streamline operations, using it effectively requires a thoughtful—dare we say, human—approach.
To maximize the impact AI can have on the wellbeing of your people, it’s crucial to leverage it as a support and empowerment tool, not a substitute wellness officer. Let’s take a look at the right and wrong ways to incorporate AI into your wellness workflow and what it can do for your return on investment.
AI and Your Wellness Program: Can They Be Friends?
It may seem counterintuitive to rely on AI for human-centric initiatives, but when applied thoughtfully, it can actually boost efficiency and improve outcomes, all while putting you and your workforce first.
Companies around the world have seen firsthand how AI can take on repetitive, time-consuming tasks, giving teams the bandwidth to focus on meaningful, higher-level work. Whether it’s predicting mechanical issues or safety risks for construction workers or detecting early-stage health conditions, AI doesn’t just boost efficiency—it can also save lives.
How AI Can Humanize Wellbeing
AI is a powerful tool, but when it comes to your organizational initiatives, there are risks involved when it's used carelessly.
Let’s examine some common “dos” and “don’ts” of leveraging AI in your workplace wellness program.
1. Automating Administrative Tasks
Automating administrative work—like benefits tracking, participation rates, and incentive management—helps free up valuable time for higher-level strategic planning.
One study found that more than 30% of HR admins could see at least half of their tasks easily automated by AI. With these day-to-day tasks taken care of, teams have more time to focus on the people-centered work that AI can’t do.
2. Personalizing Benefits
With AI-driven insights, wellness programs can offer tailored recommendations for administrators based on employees’ data, engagement, and goals.
For example, AI can analyze unique health data and offer personalized activities or resources that match an employee’s health profile. It can also find gaps in programming by assessing reports and offer custom recommendations for continued progress.
3. Tracking Employee Engagement
Keeping a pulse on employee morale is crucial for maintaining a positive workplace culture.
AI tools can analyze surveys, feedback forms, and engagement data to gauge employees’ feelings and present step-by-step insights for improvement. By spotting early signs of burnout or dissatisfaction, managers can proactively address employee mental health challenges that might have otherwise gone unaddressed.
4. Speaking of Mental Health…
AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can offer 24/7 round-the-clock support for mental health inquiries.
While AI may not be board-certified, it can provide employees with on-demand information, direct access to your company’s wellness resources, or guidance on where to find immediate support. Having resources available anytime encourages employees to reach out when they need it.
How NOT To Use AI in Your Organization
With all its advantages, there are also pitfalls to avoid when integrating AI in your organization. Here’s a look at some common missteps that can hurt rather than optimize efficiency:
1. Using AI as “Big Brother”
AI surveillance—like tracking keystrokes or time spent on tasks—can quickly erode trust. While tracking clicks, time spent in-platform, and downloads can provide valuable engagement information for wellness admins, employees who feel overly monitored may experience stress or resentment, hurting engagement and morale.
The same goes for collecting invasive data, such as personal health metrics or detailed behavioral information. Instead, AI tools should be used in ways that support, rather than micromanage, employee productivity and wellness.
2. Replacing Human Interaction with AI
While AI can supplement wellness programs, it should never replace meaningful human interaction.
For instance, using an AI chatbot as the only source of mental health support can lead employees to feel isolated or overlooked. Genuine support systems require human connection, which is why it’s vital to use AI as a complement rather than a substitute.
3. Allowing Bias to Influence AI Algorithms
AI systems can unintentionally perpetuate biases if not carefully managed. For example, AI algorithms in recruitment can sometimes favor certain demographics based on historical data. Regularly auditing AI systems to identify and correct biases is essential for ensuring fair and equitable treatment.
4. Over-Automating Wellness Programs
Too much automation in wellness programs can make them feel impersonal. Employees might be less likely to engage if their wellness options are entirely driven by algorithms. A blended approach that combines personalized AI recommendations with genuine human support helps foster a culture of wellbeing.
Balancing AI with a Human Touch
To make the most of AI, employers must blend it with human oversight. Here are some best practices for doing just that:
- Start small: Pilot AI tools in low-risk areas before rolling them out more broadly. This allows you to refine systems while gathering feedback.
- Involve employees: Engage employees in discussions about AI integration. Giving them a say builds trust and helps ease concerns.
- Audit regularly: Regularly review AI systems to identify and correct biases, keeping algorithms fair and accurate.
- Train leadership teams: Ensure all teams involved in wellness program management are equipped to interpret AI insights with human judgment, so AI data complements rather than dominates decision-making.
- Blend support: For areas like wellness or mental health, make sure AI tools are paired with genuine, human-led resources to ensure employees feel valued and supported.
Humanize Your Corporate Wellness Program with Help from AI
AI has the power to elevate wellness, productivity, and employee engagement when used thoughtfully. With the right approach, AI can be a valuable partner in cultivating a healthier, happier workplace.
For organizations looking to bring AI into their wellness programs, WellRight offers a platform designed to combine technology with compassionate, human-centered care. Request a demo today and see how.
