The irrepressible process of digitization is also profoundly transforming the world of work and human relations; as a result, the way companies take care of their employees must also change!
Indeed, more and more companies are integrating digital solutions to simplify access to Welfare services, making them more immediate and flexible.
This process relies on the adoption of innovative technologies, such as mobile applications and cloud platforms, that allow offerings to be tailored to employees' individual needs.
In this article, we will explore the role of digitization in the context of Corporate Welfare, focusing on the smartest and easiest-to-access solutions and analyzing the importance of staying ahead of the curve.
But also the potential (avoidable) risks, in order to create a Welfare system that is always inclusive and equitable.
Digitizing Welfare: smart and ready-to-use solutions
We are increasingly accustomed to relying on technology to solve any problems or answer everyday concerns.
Digitization has become part of every aspect of our lives: we look for information online for everything from a doctor's appointment, to a psychologist, from mortgage interest rates to job search.
The adoption of digital solutions in Corporate Welfare has therefore become a necessity in order to improve the individual employee experience.
Digitized Welfare platforms provide access to a wide range of services, ranging from health care to education and leisure to family care contributions.
This transformation is redefining traditional Corporate Welfare, which often required a lengthy bureaucratic process, to apply for benefits or reimbursements.
Thanks to digitization, employees can now access all the Welfare services offered by their company in real time via a simple app.
Indeed, applications such as Epassi-Eudaimon's Life Navigator offer a centralized platform that integrates all benefits, allowing employees to manage their Welfare plan with just a few clicks.
Adoption of such technologies improves flexibility and autonomy, drastically reducing wait times and making it easier to customize benefits.
All the benefits of digital Welfare solutions
Digital Welfare thus undeniably boasts some advantages that cannot be underestimated and can be summarized as:
Ease of access
Digital platforms eliminate the complications associated with traditional processes, making access to Welfare services more immediate and intuitive.
Possibility of customization
Thanks to the data collected, companies can propose increasingly targeted solutions based on employees' individual preferences and needs.
Flexibility
Employees can access services at any time and from anywhere, using any of the devices available to them (smartphone, tablet, PC...).
Real-time monitoring
With digital solutions, the use of services and benefits can be monitored in real time, enabling companies to continuously improve their Welfare offerings.
Digitized Welfare always in step with the times
The digital transformation of Corporate Welfare is essential to remain competitive in an increasingly technological world.
The generations of workers who are entering (or have entered a few years ago) the labor market-especially Millennials and Generation Z-are now used to interacting with digital tools in every aspect of their lives.
Therefore, companies must be able to offer Welfare solutions that are aligned with technological expectations.
Digital Welfare allows companies to adapt quickly to new needs, such as the growing need for flexibility in work-life balance(read the article on work-life balance).
The use of digital platforms also allows for more efficient data collection, enabling companies to better understand the needs of their employees and adapt their Welfare offerings accordingly.
Digitized Corporate Welfare and the challenge of constant updating
Staying abreast of the times, however, is not just about adopting innovative technologies: companies must be prepared to constantly update platforms to ensure that they are always in line with the latest technological trends and current regulations.
Investing in training and awareness of the benefits of digital Welfare, as well as Welfare communication, are key elements to prevent employees from not taking full advantage of the resources made available to them.
The role of digital innovation in Corporate Welfare
Digital innovation in Corporate Welfare is not only about implementing new tools, but also about providing improved and more engaging experiences.
For example, platforms can integrate advanced features such as voice recognition or augmented reality to further facilitate access to services.
In addition, artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to analyze data and suggest personalized solutions based on employees' expressed preferences or previous behaviors.
The adoption of a mobile solution, such as the Euty app, is an example of how digital innovation is simplifying and improving Corporate Welfare offerings.
The app is designed to support day-to-day choices and is able to offer a comprehensive overview of available corporate benefits, enabling access and use of services directly from the smartphone and-thanks to the use of intelligent algorithms-providing tailored recommendations for each employee, thereby also increasing satisfaction and engagement.
Mistakes not to make in digital welfare
Despite its many benefits, the digitization of Corporate Welfare can also bring problems, especially if not implemented correctly.
Indeed, it is crucial to avoid mistakes, which could undermine the effectiveness and inclusiveness of digital solutions.
One of these is the adoption of non-transparent or poorly designed algorithms, which can lead to discrimination.
In the Netherlands-for example, a digitized welfare system has been accused of discriminating against ethnic minorities because of automated checks in the allocation of welfare benefits.
Another common mistake is to overlookdigital exclusion.
In Belgium, to take another example, the implementation of exclusively digital Welfare solutions have left out certain segments of the population, such as older workers or those who are less technologically savvy.
It is therefore crucial to make sure that all categories of workers have access to benefits by providing hybrid solutions, through the simplification of processes and by ensuring proximity to people with ad hoc training, in the spirit of Digital Welfare.
Finally, another serious mistake was detected in France: the use of "political" algorithms, that is, designed to favor certain categories of users at the expense of others. The implementation of Digital Welfare must obviously be neutral and aimed exclusively at improving the fairness and efficiency of the system, avoiding political distortions or favoritism that could damage the transparency of the process.
In conclusion, the digitization of Corporate Welfare represents one of the most important evolutions in the modern working world, capable of offering smart, easy-to-use and always-ready solutions.
Tools such as the Euty app demonstrate how technology can positively transform the employee experience, facilitating access to and personalization of Welfare services.
However, it is crucial that companies adopt such solutions responsibly, avoiding mistakes such as discrimination, digital exclusion, or the use of non-transparent algorithms. Only then will it be possible to create a truly inclusive digital Welfare system that meets the needs of all workers.
Staying ahead of the curve and taking an innovative approach is essential to ensure that Corporate Welfare continues to evolve in line with the expectations and needs of today's and tomorrow's employees.
