Your Health on the Go: Digital Health Platforms and Solutions for Mobile Workers

Mobile working is here to stay, as half of the world’s workforce is expected to be remote by 2028.  

This flexibility can come with a price, however, as healthy habits can fall by the wayside when working away from the office. In the UK, the NHS expressed concerns about the effects of remote working on mental and physical health. Thankfully, technology offers several solutions and ideas for healthy habits for mobile workers. Let’s take a look.  

Wearable technology has become a giant of the fitness world over the past decades. This includes your phone, which can map out runs, count steps, and even be used to monitor your heart rate.  

But more commonly, devices specifically for exercise are taking centre stage.   

A fitness tracker typically features:  

• Step, distance and calories burned  
• Step, distance and calories burned  Heart rate and sleep quality monitoring 
• GPS routes and real-time workout analytics  

When choosing a digital health device, take the following aspects into account:  

• Useability: Is it user-friendly and does its interface suit you? 
  
• Compatibility: Do you want to link it to other devices/accounts, and if so, is it compatible?  
  
• Comfort: Are you happy to wear this ring, watch or band during your day to day life or workout?  
  
• Aesthetics: Is it visually appealing?  
  
• Style of workout: a ring is agreeably compact, but obviously not suited to some workouts (weight lifting, for example). Some apps are suitable for swimming, while others are not. Consider your workout preferences when looking at fitness device options.  
  

You can build a workout plan with a planning app, where you can find the type of workout you want, a trainer who suits you, and focus on what you want to get from the workout longer term (weight loss, strength, or flexibility, for instance).  

Additionally, these apps often have leaderboards, should you want to compare and compete with other users. 

Remote fitness classes can be attended either live, or as pre-recorded lessons. Stationary bikes are possibly the most famous example, but there is an exercise class online for every taste. This includes weight training, cardio, resistance, yoga, and more.  

In many cases, these classes are sociable too, as fitness fans can communicate with the trainers and other people in the class, sometimes even building communities.   

Maintaining good mental health has, rightfully, become a focus for workers around the world, regardless of where they’re based.  

There are several ways you can address your mental health using online resources and technologies.  

On a basic level, virtual classes took off during the pandemic, and remain popular today. These range from creative (drawing, writing, music) to physical (like yoga, breathing) to educational (mindfulness, meditation).  

Additionally, online counselling is increasingly popular, with many workers opting for the more affordable, accessible form of online therapy.  

Check out our previous post on ‘ The Best Self-care Tips for Your Mental Health’ to explore more strategies.  

It can be challenging to maintain healthy habits as a mobile worker, but digital health platforms and solutions simplify the process. To find out more, read our post about telehealth and mobile working health hacks. We also examined the exciting new world of AI in Healthcare.  

With Allianz, our international health insurance plans offer comprehensive coverage to mobile workers. Contact us today to learn more.