Trends

Not a Contradiction: Technology Can Help Humanize the Employee Experience

Part of a series  |  2025 HR Trends Series

Brett Daniel Brett Daniel

Thoughtful Asian businesswoman taking off glasses

In the dynamic landscape of human capital management (HCM), a critical transformation is underway, significantly influenced by advancements in well-being technology. As organizations grapple with the complexities of compliance, talent dispersion and the integration of generative AI, the emphasis on nurturing a humanized employee experience has become more pronounced.

"We're still recovering from a challenging time for everyone: the COVID-19 pandemic," says Naomi Lariviere, chief product owner, vice president of product management, Shared Services, ADP.

"Companies have asked their workforces to return to the office without the full head counts that existed before, causing many workers to do more with less. This is mentally taxing, creating concerns among leaders about worker well-being. Leaders want to know whether each employee's unique needs are being met, what benefits they can provide to prevent burnout and what other solutions are available for struggling employees."

Research shows that 52% of employees report feeling burned out in the past year because of their job, and 37% of employees report feeling so overwhelmed [that it's] hard to do their job.

"Overloaded employees, not surprisingly, experience pressure much more negatively and score lower in every category of worker well-being [that ADP Research measures]," says Mary Hayes, research director, People + Performance, ADP Research.

Learn how well-being technology is acting as a linchpin in humanizing workplace cultures and can help employers enhance employee satisfaction, ultimately fostering organizational growth.

The evolving landscape of employee well-being

A 2024 survey found that 69% of employees feel their company is responsible for ensuring their mental well-being, and 55% say it's important for companies to offer mental health counseling1. Another 2024 survey found that 71% or more of midsized and large businesses say mental health counseling is very or extremely important to attracting and retaining talent2.

Organizations are increasingly adopting technologies that offer personalized experiences to employees, recognizing the diversity of their workforce's wants and needs. For instance, tools that facilitate tailored health programs, mental wellness applications and customized learning and development plans are gaining traction. This personalized approach not only supports the physical and mental health of employees but also enhances their engagement and productivity by making them feel valued and understood on a personal level.

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Technology-enhanced interaction and support

The integration of sophisticated HR technologies can enable organizations to create more engaging and supportive environments for their employees. Platforms that allow for regular feedback, continuous communication and recognition are examples of how technology fosters a more interactive and responsive workplace.

Moreover, well-being technology that includes analytics driven by artificial intelligence (AI) can help leaders identify stress patterns and provide timely interventions. This proactive approach in managing workplace stress not only enhances employee well-being but also prevents burnout, sustaining workforce productivity and morale.

Here's what you can do:

Technology as a catalyst for personalized benefits

One of the most significant advantages of well-being technology is its ability to personalize employee benefits. By harnessing data and predictive analytics, organizations can create customized benefits packages that meet the unique needs of each employee. This might include flexible working arrangements, personalized health and wellness programs or tailored financial planning services.

For example, an employee who is a parent might value flexible scheduling and telecommuting options more than on-site gym facilities. Well-being technology enables organizations to recognize and meet such specific needs, which, in turn, can boost employee satisfaction and loyalty.

Strategic implementation of well-being technology

While the benefits of well-being technology are clear, the success of its implementation depends on its strategic integration with existing HR systems. Organizations must ensure that these technologies are seamlessly integrated into daily workflows. This might involve training sessions for employees to get accustomed to new tools, regular updates to keep up with technological advancements and feedback loops to refine the technology based on user experience.

It's also crucial for organizations to maintain a balance between technological and human interactions. Technology should be seen as an enhancer of, not a replacement for, human capabilities. Ensuring that human elements remain at the core of HR practices is essential to maintaining an engaged and connected workforce.

The human touch in a technological world

In 2025, the role of well-being technology in humanizing the employee experience will become increasingly more fundamental. Organizations that embrace this technology can not only enhance their talent management strategies but also build a resilient, satisfied and productive workforce, which can be a defining factor in the success of businesses aiming to thrive in a complex, ever-changing work landscape. The journey toward a more humanized employee experience is both challenging and rewarding, but with the right approach and tools, it's within reach for every forward-thinking organization.

Learn more about this and other new year trends: Download the 2025 HR trends guide.

1. ADP Market Insights, 2024 HCM trends, 2024

2. ADP Market Insights, Market Pulse Study: Small, Midsized and Large Companies, 2024