As the workplace continues to evolve, it’s become clear that technology has a major role to play not just in enhancing productivity, but in supporting the wellbeing of employees. Today’s workforce expects more flexibility, seamless collaboration, and an environment that prioritises their mental and physical health. But how do we make work, work for everyone? By aligning our digital tools with human needs, we can create healthier, more sustainable work environments where both people and businesses thrive.

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. However, only 46% are actively taking steps to improve this, and just 10% feel they are truly excelling in it. This gap underscores the need for a more strategic approach to wellbeing, one that moves beyond lip service to tangible action.

Human sustainability goes beyond productivity; it’s about ensuring that work is structured in a way that benefits people in the long term. This means addressing issues like burnout, stress, and long hours, which are still prevalent in many industries. It’s about creating work environments where people can thrive, not just survive.

Despite increasing awareness of workplace wellbeing, progress remains slow. Just 56% of workers describe their overall wellbeing as “excellent” or “good,” and these figures have remained largely unchanged since 2022. This suggests that many organisations are struggling to create a meaningful impact when it comes to improving the health and happiness of their workforce.

One reason for this could be that traditional approaches to wellbeing such as offering perks like meditation sessions or gym memberships don’t address the deeper issues within the workplace itself. These initiatives often treat the symptoms rather than the cause, and without rethinking how work is structured, they fall short.

Flexibility in how and where people work is central to modern wellbeing strategies. Today’s employees increasingly expect the ability to manage their work around their personal lives. This isn't just about working from home; it’s about empowering people to find balance in how they spend their time.

Flexible working patterns allow employees to integrate their work with their personal responsibilities more seamlessly, reducing stress and increasing job satisfaction. But for flexibility to be successful, organisations need to create digital environments that mirror the fluidity of these new working arrangements. A well designed digital workspace can help employees feel connected and productive, no matter where they are.

The way digital tools are designed and implemented has a profound impact on wellbeing. Poorly designed or overly complex systems can increase cognitive load the mental effort required to use them leading to frustration, exhaustion, tiredness and stress. In contrast, smooth and intuitive digital experiences allow people to focus on their work without unnecessary distractions, improving both productivity and mental health.

Research shows that even small improvements in the digital experience can have a big impact on wellbeing. For instance, clear and effective communication tools reduce the need for lengthy, confusing exchanges, while well-structured meetings whether in person or virtual help employees stay engaged and avoid fatigue. When technology works with us, rather than against us, it can create a more calming, efficient work environment.

In a hybrid world, where employees are navigating both physical and digital workspaces, the challenge is to ensure that the digital side of work feels just as seamless as being in the office. This means designing tools and processes that enhance, rather than hinder, the flow of work. In doing so, we reduce stress and free up employees’ mental resources for more meaningful, creative tasks.

Leaders are not immune to the pressures of modern work. In fact, 59% of workers, 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,” can take a toll on wellbeing across all levels of the organisation.

For leaders, the challenge is twofold. Leaders must manage their own wellbeing while also fostering an environment where their teams can thrive. This requires not just better tools, but also a shift in mindset away from the idea that more work equals better results, and towards a more balanced, sustainable approach to productivity.

The psychological demands of leadership in a digital, hybrid environment are unique. Without the ability to physically see and interact with their teams, leaders need to find new ways to engage, motivate, and support their employees. This requires digital tools that help maintain human connection, even from a distance, and strategies that empower teams to work independently and collaboratively.

At the heart of many wellbeing challenges is cognitive load the mental effort required to complete tasks, especially in a complex or digital environment. Cognitive overload happens when the brain is asked to process too much information or juggle too many tasks at once, leading to mental fatigue, stress, and burnout. 

In a typical workday, the brain can only sustain three to four hours of deep, focused work before it needs a break. When employees are bombarded with constant meetings, notifications, and information overload, they end up spending their cognitive resources on managing the chaos, rather than doing meaningful work. This is particularly relevant in the professional services sector, where deep thinking and problem-solving are critical to success. 

By simplifying work processes and using technology to reduce cognitive distractions, businesses can help employees focus on what truly matters. For example, clear and reliable communication systems reduce the stress of poor connectivity or misunderstandings, while intelligent workflows automate routine tasks, freeing up mental energy for more strategic work. The key is to design work in a way that supports the human brain’s natural capacity, rather than pushing it to its limits. 

By focusing on wellbeing, embracing technology, and shifting the cultural mindset around productivity, these sectors can create a future where both people and performance thrive sustainably. 

To truly make work, work, businesses must rethink how they approach wellbeing, flexibility, and digital experience. The old models of productivity, based 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 involves using technology to enhance, rather than complicate, the way we work. It means designing workspaces that support concentration and collaboration in equal measure. And most importantly, it requires recognising that wellbeing is not an afterthought, but a core component of productivity.

At BT Group, we believe that by aligning technology with human needs, we can create a workplace where people feel empowered, connected, and well. We are here to help you unlock more with less, whether it is connecting your front and back offices, enabling secure collaboration from any device anywhere, 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.