Abstract
Orientation: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming an integral component in employee wellness programmes. Currently, limited research exists regarding the experiences that South African employees have with using AI-driven wellness programmes.
Research purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of employees with AI-driven wellness programmes in their organisations.
Motivation for the study: When wellness programmes are effectively implemented in organisations, employees experience improved productivity, increased job engagement and satisfaction, and improved overall well-being. There is little research done on AI-driven wellness programmes in the South African context. Understanding the experiences in using such programmes could allow for better implementation and increased employee well-being.
Research approach/design and method: The study used a qualitative research approach. Non-probability, purposive sampling was used. Ten employees, recruited through a crowdsourcing platform, took part in the study. The data was collected in the form of semi-structured interviews and themes identified using thematic analysis.
Main findings: AI-driven wellness programmes had a generally positive impact on the participants’ well-being. Participants reported improvements in eating habits and sleeping patterns. They indicated that the programmes contributed to improved workplace productivity and engagement.
Practical/managerial implications: Organisations should consider providing employees with access to AI-driven wellness programmes to support their well-being initiatives.
Contribution/value add: This study is one of the first to explore employee experiences of AI-driven wellness programmes in the South African context. The findings may encourage organisations to offer contextually suitable and culturally appropriate AI-driven employee wellness programmes.