Could stress-reducing wearables be part of your organisation’s EVP?

Work has never been more stressful. In 2018, the HSE released a report which stated that workplace stress and anxiety is now the leading cause of ill health and sickness-related absence in Britain. The report found that there were 600,000 cases of work-related stress, anxiety or depression, making up 44% of all work-related illnesses [1]. The number of cases is estimated at 1800 per 100,000 workers.

Technology and, in-particular, wearable tech has significantly affected how people manage their physical health. For example, the Fitbit has become commonplace amongst professional athletes and casual keep-fitters alike and has been widely lauded for helping people to lose weight.

Other wearable tech that has become popular includes:

- Samsung Gear smartwatch

- JawBone UP fitness band

- NuMetrex Fabric Chest Strap

- Spotnsave Wristband

- Fin Ring

- LECHAL GPS Shoes

- GoQii life fitness tracker

Nearly all wearable fitness tech concentrates on exercise and activity (although some encompass sleep patterns/diaries and food trackers). Despite the increased prevalence of work-related stress, mental health and wellbeing still fall behind physical health in-terms of spending and priority.

So what stress-reducing wearables are out there?

SPIRE

A tiny grey stone paired with a cork charging plate, users attach the SPIRE breathing sensor to their undergarments or belt. It tracks respiration patterns and body movements in order to give advice geared to boosting emotional and cognitive well-being. The accompanying smartphone app notifies the user when breathing indicates tension, reports on your state of mind, and includes a number of audio exercises to help you relax. In addition to this, Spire also tracks steps and calories burnt.

Fitbit Charge 3

This device offers guided breathing sessions; a mindfulness experience aimed at calming both body and mind. The sessions can last either 2 or 5 minutes and can be personalised to measure heart rate variability. The Charge 3 settles on a comfortable breathing rate and then slowly guides the user into a relaxing state. The screen displays animations that help align each breath with the guide. Additionally, there is an OLED display, 24/7 heart rate monitoring (including resting heart rate), and activity tracker.

Thync

Thync claims to be the first wearable technology that can help to change the way you feel. The device (which looks akin to something out of Star Trek) connects up with an accompanying app in order to deliver waveforms to the brain. These waveforms activate specific nerves that signal the brain to shift to either a state of calm or give a boost of energy (whichever the user chooses). The resultant feelings are similar to meditation or the splashing of cold water on the face.

Muse

This headset-style device gives real-time feedback on what’s happening in the brain when meditating. Using seven sensors along the scalp, this device detects changes in the brain. It is able to detect when the mind is calm or active and uses that data to decide on the most suitable sounds for users to hear. For example, when the user is calm, it will play peaceful weather sounds, whilst if it senses the mind is wandering, it will play stronger ones. Essentially, it allows you to hear your own mind as you meditate.

Pip

This device is a biosensor which senses electrodermal activity to give an indication of stress response. This is communicated to accompanying apps that display the body’s changing stress levels. The apps also provide a platform for stress-busting exercises.

Bellabeat Leaf Chakra/Nature/Urban

This popular range of jewellery is designed specifically for tracking health. They can be worn as a necklace or bracelet or clipped to any clothing item. The trackers use data to provide insights and improvements to daily routines. This includes help with breathing, sleeping, activities, and monthly cycles (via the smartphone app). The sensors are hidden inside the jewellery. In terms of stress tracking features, abdominal movements and breathing can be measured and breathing exercises recommended.

EmoGraphy

Like Pip, this device measures stress through skin conductance. It is able to predict and alert users to certain potential stressful events and offer practical solutions. It can even warn when a certain threshold is likely to be breached. This can be a cue to change behaviour in order to avoid stress.

EVP

An Employee Value Proposition (EVP) covers everything that an employer does to attract (and retain) employees. This includes pay, benefits, rewards, and even culture. It is essentially what makes candidates choose one company over another.

Wearable tech that helps to manage or mitigate stress could very well be an attractive additional benefit as part of a wider EVP.

[1] https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causdis/stress.pdf