Wearable technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are revolutionising how we monitor and improve health and wellbeing, offering exciting opportunities for individuals and organisations alike. Devices such as smartwatches, fitness trackers and wearable sensors can track daily activity, often measuring steps, walking speed and other health indicators. This helps users set goals, stay motivated and adopt healthier habits, which contribute to maintaining physical health and reducing the risk of disease.
Employers can harness the potential of wearable technologies to support the wellbeing of their workforce. By connecting wearables to external systems, organisations can create incentive-based programmes that reward employees for achieving specific activity levels, or personalised health goals. These schemes encourage healthy behaviours, boost engagement and foster a positive workplace environment. AI plays a central role in these programmes, analysing large datasets generated by wearables and providing personalised feedback in an engaging and accessible way.
The advent of new wearable devices, such as smart socks and insoles, extends the scope of activity tracking beyond daily steps. These innovations measure detailed data, including foot pressure, walking speed, step length and activity type. This information can help individuals improve their foot health and gait, optimise physical activity and monitor changes in activity intensity. Employers that integrate these devices into health initiatives can incentivise personalised activity targets and provide tailored support, creating further opportunities to promote workforce wellbeing.
One of the strengths of wearable technology is its inclusivity. From smartwatches to smartphones, many employees can participate with little to no additional equipment, as devices such as iPhones already capture activity data automatically. This accessibility ensures that wearable-backed health programmes can engage a broad workforce.
While these technologies offer significant benefits, organisations must approach their implementation cautiously. Ensuring robust privacy and security standards is critical to protect employees’ personal health data and maintain trust in these programmes. By combining innovation with a thoughtful approach, employers can help employees adopt healthier lifestyles while creating a positive and supportive workplace culture.
Wearable technology, supported by AI, is paving the way for exciting developments in workplace health. If managed responsibly, it has the power to improve employee wellbeing, drive behaviourial change, and benefit organisations.
Neil Reeves is professor of secure health technologies in the medical school at Lancaster University
