Technology is the key to employees’ wellbeing at today’s workplace

“Human sustainability extends beyond productivity; it’s about structuring work in ways that benefit people in the long term.” – Andrew Small, Director of Digital Workplace, BT Group

We have gone a full circle.

The pandemic in 2019 pushed us to rethink our ways of working. It helped us realise that work can, in fact, be accomplished from the comforts of our home; be squeezed within a four-day workweek, and be completed from different parts of the world regardless of time differences.

Fast forward to 2025, we find ourselves gradually reverting to our old ways. Organisations have been mandating a full return to office, five days a week. (Of course, not with resistance.)

It cannot be clearer enough – today’s workforce expects more flexibility, seamless collaboration, and a workplace that prioritises their mental and physical health. But with organisations also trying to balance the business needs and growth, herein lies the question: How do we make work truly work for everyone?

Human sustainability

According to Deloitte’s 2024 Global Human Capital Trends, 76% of respondents believe that human sustainability – leaving people better off as a result of their work – is essential for modern organisations. The stark gap in the report, however, underscores the need for a more strategic approach to wellbeing, one that moves beyond lip service to tangible action.

Human sustainability extends beyond productivity; it’s about structuring work in ways that benefit people in the long term. This means addressing issues like burnout, stress, and long hours, which remain prevalent across many industries. It’s about fostering work environments where people can thrive – not just survive.

It’s all about the digital experience

The journey towards human sustainability cannot ignore the role of digital tools and systems. Thoughtfully designed digital experiences are central to fostering wellbeing in the modern workplace. Poorly designed or overly complex systems can exacerbate stress, while intuitive, user-friendly technologies can create a more efficient, calming work environment. This frees up employees’ mental resources for more meaningful, creative tasks, reducing stress and enhancing overall productivity.

That said, leaders are not immune to the pressures of modern work.

In fact, 59% of employees, 66% of managers, and 71% of executives report feeling exhausted or stressed, with many considering leaving their jobs for better support. The pressure to perform at the highest level, often in an environment that is increasingly digital and always “on”, takes a toll on wellbeing at every level of the organisation.

Leaders must prioritise their own wellbeing while fostering environments where their teams can thrive. This requires not only better tools but also a mindset shift: away from equating more work with better results and towards embracing a balanced, sustainable approach to productivity.

However, even with advanced tools, the human mind has its limits.

Be wary of the cognitive load crisis

In today’s increasingly digital and always-connected work environments, cognitive overload is an escalating concern. This occurs when the brain is tasked with processing too much information or juggling too many tasks simultaneously, leading to mental fatigue, stress, and burnout.

On average, the brain can only sustain three to four hours of deep, focused work per day before it requires a break. Beyond that, productivity declines, and stress rises. This is particularly relevant in the professional services sector, where deep thinking and problem-solving are critical to success.

By simplifying work processes through automation and leveraging technology such as machine learning to reduce cognitive distractions, organisations can help employees focus on what truly matters. The key is to design work that aligns with the brain’s natural capacity rather than pushing it to its limits.

The path forward

To truly make work, work, we must rethink their approach to wellbeing, flexibility, and digital experiences. The old models of productivity – built on long hours and constant availability – are no longer sustainable. Instead, organisations must focus on creating environments, both physical and digital, that support human sustainability and psychological health.

This means using technology to enhance rather than complicate work. It requires designing workspaces that balance concentration with collaboration. Most importantly, it demands recognising that wellbeing is not an afterthought but a core component of productivity.

By aligning technology with human needs, we can create workplaces where people feel empowered, connected, and well. As leaders, it’s time to unlock more with less – whether by connecting front and back offices, enabling secure collaboration from any device, or upskilling workforces with AI-enabled tools.

It’s time to stop asking employees to adapt to work and start asking how work can adapt to them.

About the Author: Andrew Small is Director of Digital Workplace for BT Group.