The personal security risks that employees face can have serious consequences not only for their mental well-being but also for their productivity at work. At Hacked.com, we’re seeing an urgent need for a focus on safeguarding employees’ personal security and online privacy, as part of a holistic HR and cybersecurity strategy.
Recent studies highlight that stress related to digital security issues, such as hacked accounts, identity theft, or even online harassment, can severely impact employees’ focus, engagement, and effectiveness. When a company prioritize digital wellbeing, the company does not only enhance workplace productivity but also foster a stronger, more resilient organizational culture.
Understanding the Hidden Costs of Digital Security Stress on Productivity
The impact of cyber threats on individuals is profound. According to the American Psychological Association, employees under constant stress from digital security concerns experience a decline in both mental health and cognitive performance. When an employee is dealing with personal security issues, they are less able to fully engage at work. These concerns are no longer just personal; they become a business issue.
A University of Phoenix study found that nearly half of U.S. adults has experienced an online security breach, and of those, many reported feelings of anxiety, stress, and a loss of control as a result.
How Digital Wellbeing Directly Impacts Employee Productivity
Investing in digital wellbeing is about more than just offering a perk. It’s about enabling your workforce to focus, engage, and perform their best. Here’s how prioritizing digital wellbeing can have a direct impact on productivity:
- Reduces Distractions from Personal Security Issues: When employees face unresolved security concerns, such as hacked social media accounts or blackmail attempts, they struggle to focus. Providing digital wellbeing support through resources like Hacked.com’s Digital Wellbeing for Employees program helps them resolve these distractions and regain control, allowing them to concentrate on work.
- Increases Engagement and Morale: Employees who feel supported by their company, not only professionally but also personally, are more likely to be satisfied and engaged. Gallup research indicates that business units in the top quartile of employee engagement are 17% more productive and 21% more profitable than those in the bottom quartile. Digital wellbeing programs demonstrate that your company values employees’ mental peace and privacy, which fosters deeper engagement.
- Reduces Burnout and Absenteeism: Burnout is on the rise, particularly in industries that face high-stress levels or frequent data security challenges. Supporting digital wellbeing by addressing personal security concerns can significantly alleviate stress. Harvard Business Review reports that companies with strong wellbeing programs experience 27% lower absenteeism rates, a testament to the ROI of supporting mental health through digital security.
Key Stats That Highlight the Need for Digital Wellbeing Programs
To understand the urgency, consider these statistics:
- A survey by Yubico found that nearly 45% of employed adults worldwide have fallen victim to a cyberattack or scam, compromising personal information such as banking or email accounts.
- Deloitte’s research indicates that 86% of HR leaders believe wellbeing is critical for employee health, and 55% say it directly impacts productivity.
- According to Gallup’s “State of the Global Workplace: 2022 Report,” employees who feel unsupported in their overall wellbeing are twice as likely to be actively seeking new employment opportunities. This underscores the critical role that comprehensive wellbeing support, including digital wellbeing, plays in employee retention.
Hacked.com’s Digital Wellbeing for Employees program is designed to bridge a gap, providing secure, private support that improves both employee well-being, productivity and corporate security.
How to Support Digital Wellbeing at Your Organization
Building a digital wellbeing program doesn’t have to be complex. Here’s how to integrate it into your organization:
- Offer Confidential Support Channels: Provide employees with confidential resources to address personal security concerns, whether it’s for hacked accounts, identity theft, or privacy issues. With Hacked.com’s service, employees can seek help privately, reducing their stress and enhancing their focus at work.
- Host Digital Wellbeing Webinars: Offer regular training sessions on key digital security topics, like managing passwords and spotting phishing scams. Webinars give employees actionable insights that empower them to protect their digital lives. Hacked.com’s Digital Wellbeing Webinar is an annual resource that companies can provide, with recordings available for employees to revisit.
- Develop Microlearning Resources: Brief, bite-sized tips on digital security can reinforce habits without requiring extensive time. For example, Hacked.com provides ongoing microlearning content, so employees can build good security practices with minimal effort.
- Create a Culture of Confidentiality and Trust: Digital wellbeing is part of creating a safe and supportive workplace culture. By fostering an environment where employees feel comfortable addressing personal security issues, you’re enhancing psychological safety, a critical factor in employee engagement.
Why Investing in Digital Wellbeing is a Smart Business Move
The business case for supporting employees’ digital wellbeing goes beyond productivity. When employees feel secure and supported, they are more loyal, more engaged, and less likely to experience burnout or absenteeism. Hacked.com’s Digital Wellbeing for Employees program is designed to help companies foster this supportive environment, protecting employees from the psychological and productivity costs of personal security concerns.
By implementing a digital wellbeing program, HR leaders can make a measurable impact on productivity, engagement, and employee satisfaction. It’s a small investment with a powerful return, helping your team stay focused, resilient, and committed in a digitally demanding world.
For more information on how to bring digital wellbeing to your organization, explore our Digital Wellbeing for Employees program.
Featured image by Midjourney & Jonas Borchgrevink.