OpinionNot just perks and paychecks: How high-tech companies should care for their employees in wartime
Opinion
Not just perks and paychecks: How high-tech companies should care for their employees in wartime
"As technology keeps advancing, companies need to integrate innovative approaches for care and support of their employees," writes Alex Frenkel, CEO and co-founder of the digital health startup Kai.ai.
Ever since October 7th, the social and mental challenges have become more severe and their influence is felt with increased intensity even in 2024, and it seems they will stay with us for the foreseeable future. Countless families, including soldiers, both in regular army and reserve duty, parents, siblings and partners, evacuees, and victims of terrorist attacks, are dealing with challenging psychological conditions, from anxiety to a sense of existential instability. It is a wide circle of people who have been impacted, and the HR departments in organization are called upon to support the families and close friends of the employees, not just the employees themselves.
According to non-profit organizations for mental health assistance, there is an increase of dozens of percents in calls to assistance centers, and people seeking help for mental health issues from therapists, while community health services report an increase of 25% in demand for psychiatric drugs. These numbers emphasize the urgent need for holistic organization responses to support employees at all levels. Resilience workshops, emergency programs and re-onboarding program for reserve soldiers have become part and parcel of the support many companies offer to help employees with the present-day challenges.
The Mental Health Response for high-tech Employees
With over 500,000 reserve soldiers called up, many of them employed in well-organized companies and organizations, the need for mental health support in the workplace is clearer than ever. Many companies offer health days, workshops for stress management, and mental health support, and the discourse around mental health has become inseparable from the organizational culture. That is a significant change aimed at allowing employees to deal with feelings of loneliness, stress, and anxiety, especially given the ongoing crises in the country.
Technology as a Solution to Mental Health Support
Many high-tech companies are taking significant steps to promote their employees’ well-being, while integrating advanced technological solutions customized to mental health needs. Microsoft and Dropbox, for example, launched a well-being program that combines psychological support with AI based solutions providing an immediate response to employees who need help. Satya Nadella, Microsoft CEO, said in the past: “Employees who feel confident to share their mental health challenges are more focused employees and more creative.” His words represent the emotional support trend that has been accelerating, especially during times of crisis.
Building Up Resilience in the Workplace
In the high stress high-tech world, new innovative solutions are needed to ensure psychological well-being. Leading organizations have realized that it is important to not only offer a temporary response, but rather to build their employees’ resilience to endure for the long term. For example, companies offer sports programs, mindfulness, and breathing exercises to decrease stress and improve resilience. Furthermore, organizations encourage participation in workshops to develop self-management skills, such as stress management and positive communications, to enable employees to better deal with the day-to-day challenges.
At the workplace, where employees spend a large portion of their time, it is important for organization to identify distress early and offer proactive support. Beyond the direct solutions, some companies created internal mechanisms for raising awareness to signs of stress and anxiety through HR teams that make the proper information and resources available.
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How can companies act?
Companies interested in supporting their employees’ well-being can take a few simple and more complex steps, including:
- Periodic support talks: creating opportunities for open conversations with staff and management can help employees express their feelings and find collective support.
- Technology based application: Integrating technological tools such as AI applications for monitoring mood and providing available, immediate, and anonymous support.
- Stress management training: Training regarding stress management and relaxation techniques will provide employees with practical tools to face stress and anxiety, tools that can be especially applicable during this time.
Looking to the Future: Integration Technology and Mental Well-Being
As technology keeps advancing, companies need to integrate innovative approaches for care and support of their employees. Whether they use applications monitoring the employee’s mood, or making professional therapy accessible, if needed, such solutions form an organizational culture where mental health is a top priority. It is evident that investing in the employees’ well-being, even during challenging times, contributes not only to improving the atmosphere and morale, but also to productivity and innovation.
Alex Frenkel is CEO and co-founder of the digital health start-up Kai.ai.
