Investigating Innovative Social Technology for Elevating Employee Well-Being in the Business Context

Introduction

Employee welfare represents a comprehensive term encompassing many initiatives dedicated to improving the well-being, satisfaction, and development of employees within an organization. It is an umbrella term that covers a wide array of provisions and activities that extend beyond mere compensation, aiming to foster comfort, intellectual growth, social welfare, and overall happiness among the workforce (Ángeles, 2023). The core objective of such welfare measures is to elevate the quality of life for employees, ensuring that they feel content and valued within their work environment (Abbassy & Ead, 2020). As articulated by Todd, employee welfare is not just about meeting the bare necessities required for industry functioning. Still, it is a concerted effort to enhance employees’ physical, intellectual, and social well-being (Alabdullah et al., 2021a). Technology has revolutionized the approach to employee welfare, becoming an indispensable aspect of global operations and business management. It has granted us the ability to better understand the needs of employees, increase productivity, alleviate workloads, and foster innovation and creativity within the workplace (Alabdullah et al., 2021b). The global pandemic has catalyzed change, transforming how organizations approach the wellness of their employees. This transformation has been marked by the emergence of various digital platforms seamlessly integrated into the corporate world, offering new avenues for employee wellness programs.

These technological solutions are now being rapidly adopted by forward-thinking companies seeking to provide comprehensive and effective wellness programs that cater to the diverse needs of their employees. Such programs are not limited to the digital space but are also implemented in the physical workspace, ensuring a holistic approach to employee wellness. The aim is to create an environment where employees can professionally and personally thrive, with access to resources and support that promote their overall well-being. This strategic investment in employee welfare contributes to a happier and more productive workforce. It aligns with the growing recognition of the importance of mental health, work-life balance, and the social aspect of work in today’s corporate culture. Employee welfare has become a key strategic component of business operations, with technology playing a pivotal role in shaping and delivering these initiatives. Companies that prioritize the welfare of their employees are not only investing in their workforce but are also setting a new standard for the modern workplace, where the well-being of every individual is considered integral to the success and sustainability of the organization (Köseoğlu et al., 2022).

The Committee of Labour Welfare (1969) defines the scope of employee welfare as encompassing a wide range of services, facilities, and amenities. These include ensuring sufficient canteens, rest areas, recreational amenities, sanitary provisions, medical facilities, transportation arrangements for workers far from their workplaces, and various other services and amenities. Additionally, social security measures are considered an integral part of employee welfare as they contribute to improving the overall working conditions of employees.

Welfare is a comprehensive concept that encompasses the living conditions of individuals or groups in a positive relationship with their overall environment, including ecological, social, and economic aspects. Its goal is to achieve social development through various means, such as social legislation, reform, services, work, and action. Economic welfare aims to enhance production, productivity, and development by promoting equitable distribution. Welfare measures can be classified as either mandated by law or voluntary, with legal requirements mandating employers to provide certain employee benefits beyond their wages or salaries (Ead & Abbassy, 2022).