Travelers launches AI-driven mental health app for injured employees
New England Council member, Travelers Cos. Inc has launched an app to help promote mental health and facilitate recovery for injured employees. By utilizing technology from Wysa called “The Wysa for Return to Work” app, which is programmed by artificial intelligence, Travelers has found a way to help employees improve their mental resilience.
Travelers found that around 40% of injured employees experienced a psychosocial barrier that stagnated their recovery. Nurses at Travelers define psychosocial barriers as an attitude, state, or consciousness which affects a person’s ability to communicate. ‘The Wysa for Return to Work’ app responds to users through a secure texting-style platform to offer assistance such as cognitive behavioral techniques and breathing exercises to alleviate mental health struggles. The results from the initial launch of the app have been promising. Travelers report that workers using the app missed one-third fewer workdays versus employees not using the app.
Dr. Marcos Iglesias, chief medical director at Travelers, said, “Factors unrelated to an individual’s injury, such as fear, unrealistic expectations, lack of sleep or minimal social support, can hinder the recovery process,” said Dr. Marcos Iglesias, chief medical director at Travelers. “Helping injured employees bounce back requires an approach that addresses an individual’s physical and mental health challenges.”
The New England Council commends Travelers for finding innovative solutions to improve the recovery of their employees.
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