Fitbit launched today a new service designed to help employees gauge their fitness to return to work after months of self-quarantine due to the coronavirus pandemic. The COVID-19 symptom tracker provides workers access to health metrics through their Fitbit device and a method to log self-reported symptoms.
The Ready for Work service allows employees to check in every day and report whether they were exposed to COVID-19 recently or were showing signs of infection. Its Daily Check-In feature displays information regarding changes in their resting heart rate, heart rate variability, and breathing rate. The tool will use these factors to provide guidance to employees returning to work.
Amy McDonough, General Manager and Senior Vice President for Fitbit Health Solutions, said:
"As workplaces start to reopen, we have an opportunity to help employees better track their health and make informed decisions about whether or not to go to work. Early action is key to protecting the workforce and the workplace. Ready for Work enables employees to view trends in their Fitbit-tracked health metrics next to self-reported symptoms so they can assess their health and readiness for work from home.”
For employers, the service includes daily reports and analytics meant to help them monitor health conditions in their workplace and provide support for employees when necessary. In addition to its symptom tracking service, Fitbit is also offering mental health coaching to employees through webinars, podcasts, and videos. The goal is to help them adjust to current changes brought about by the pandemic.
