Workers Ready for Wearable devices at Work, Study concludes

Jiff data indicates that there is great promise for the inclusion of wearable devices in the workplace.

In a recent study, workers at 14 large employers demonstrated that they are ready for wearables at work, according to data from Jiff. And while doctors perceive they are on board with the wearables movement, sufferers aren’t so sure.

In fact, a latest Nielsen survey discovered while 40% of physicians said they have suggested wearables to their patients, less than 5% of patients say that their doctor has recommended the technology to them. One way to bridge this gap is through workplace adoption and support of the devices.

Almost one-half of employees have participated in a well-being activity or wellness program in the last year, in accordance to the survey, while almost two-thirds of employees said employers should actively motivate employees to live a healthy lifestyle. And nearly one in 3 employers surveyed offered a wellness program that incorporated wearables; another 23% considering a wearable program in the future.

With consumer health and wellness representing a $135 billion market, it’s not surprising consumers are open to employer support in their attempts to attain improved health. Yet the real value of wearables devices in making better the healthcare outcomes is still not completely proven. One recent study found wearable devices did not assist patients to achieve better results in a weight loss intervention program.