By Rohit Mundra
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a formidable tool across various industries, with its undeniable potential impact on the wellness and healthcare sectors. AI’s significance in wellness goes beyond being a mere buzzword; it encompasses a diverse range of methodologies like machine learning and large language models. When applied thoughtfully, AI has the capacity to revolutionize how we approach physical and mental well-being.
The prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases, sedentary habits, and increasing mental stress has emphasized the significance of corporate wellness programs. Forecasts indicate that the corporate wellness market in India is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.75% between 2020 and 2025, reaching a value of INR 21.53 Bn by 2025, up from INR 14.59 Bn in 2019. Indian companies are increasingly realizing the value of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics to provide comprehensive wellness solutions to their employees. As employees seek better healthcare and well-being benefits from their employers, the incorporation of AI into wellness programs can break down barriers of secrecy, granting access to essential support and accommodations, thus enhancing overall well-being and productivity in both personal and professional lives. Moreover, top-level leaders are actively adopting AI-enabled health tech platforms, offering employees convenient ways to proactively manage their health and prevent potential risks through timely interventions.
The Holistic Approach to Wellness
Wellness is a comprehensive concept that encompasses nutrition, fitness, and mental well-being. Taking a 360-degree holistic approach ensures that all aspects of an individual’s health are considered. AI can play a crucial role in supporting such an approach by leveraging machine learning and language models to tailor personalized solutions for each individual’s unique needs.
Current State of AI in Wellness
The current state of AI in the wellness sector displays immense potential, but many companies fail to adopt a holistic approach to wellness due to their narrow, verticalized focus. This approach involves leveraging AI to target only one or, at most, two aspects of wellness. Nevertheless, a few global pioneering companies stand out for their AI-driven chatbot solutions, revolutionizing the mental wellness market. Despite these advancements, the majority of players are yet to embrace a comprehensive approach to AI and wellness. For instance, if an entity provides mental wellness care, it cannot afford to overlook data points related to users’ physical health, nutrition, and fitness levels.
As a whole, the industry is still in its early stages and faces challenges in identifying the most effective use cases for AI in wellness.
Applications of AI in Corporate Wellness
The potential applications of AI in corporate wellness encompass telemedicine and guided wellness programs, with additional benefits such as medicine delivery, access to fitness centers, at-home diagnosis, etc. Through an interactive platform, AI can assist the working population in connecting with the appropriate specialists, thereby increasing workforce productivity by providing convenient access to services at their fingertips. By offering initial symptom analysis and guiding users towards suitable care, AI can reduce pressure on human resources professionals and eliminate the need for multiple vendors.
Additionally, AI-powered applications can facilitate behavioral modification and chronic condition management, leading to accurate responses and ultimately driving ROI for the entire organization. For conditions like diabetes, continuous monitoring and behavioral changes are crucial. AI’s data analysis capabilities enable it to recommend personalized wellness programs, empowering the workforce to make smarter decisions for effective self-management and maintaining focus at work.
Data Privacy and Security
However, as AI applications collect user data, data privacy and security become paramount concerns. Companies in the wellness space, especially those in the corporate sector, must prioritize safeguarding user data. Ensuring that all user data is domestically stored and accessible only to the individual user can instill trust and accountability in AI-driven solutions.
India is catching up with the global AI revolution in the wellness sector, though fintech has seen more significant AI adoption. Developing a centralized repository for health data could accelerate AI innovation in the sector, enabling startups and businesses to create cutting-edge solutions that cater to the diverse healthcare needs of the Indian population.
In conclusion, AI in corporate wellness has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by providing personalized solutions and improving access to medical assistance for the employees and their families. Although India is in the early stages of its AI journey, focused efforts and a collaborative approach can lead the nation in leveraging AI for corporate wellness, creating a healthier future for all.
The author is Chief Product and Technology Officer, Truworth Wellness
