Online forums identify high uninstall rates for meditation apps and studies show a drastic drop in app usage after just 10 days, an interesting finding that apps with peer support do a little better, and a model that can calculate the R.O.I to evaluate the economic impact of a digital mental health product.
Spoiler: Human interaction is key for a personalized, accountable, and transformative meditation experiences.
A 2019 Study found that after just 15 days the meditation app opening rate dropped to a meager 4%.
“…Although we found daily active minutes of use to be relatively high, only a small portion of users actually used popular apps regularly. There is a sharp decline of more than 80% in app open rates between day 1 and day 10.” And further: “We identified that the two apps that incorporated peer support as a primary technique had relatively high engagement and retention rates.”
92% of Users Uninstall Meditation Apps within 30 Days!
Yes, we know that online forums are not the most reliable source of information – But! The reactions and comments to this thread are real user voices, addressing their problems with meditation apps.
The most up-voted comment reads:
Ones I’ve tried are too much like:
“Congratulations on reaching your 3-day streak with meditation! Remember, all it takes is 2 minutes of meditation today to help you relax.
Now, find a comfortable place to sit, and without allowing you any time to do that, breathe in and breathe out. You’re doing great. One more breath. You’re fantastic. Remember, if thoughts come to you, just focus on the breathing. Doesn’t that feel amazing?
Congratulations on finishing another meditation session at HeadCalmBreath.io. Remember to like and subscribe for more advertisements about meditation! See you at the same time tomorrow otherwise we’ll email you every 12 hours until you do.”
And finally, if you are into facts and figures here is a very interesting Harvard Business Review article discussing: Should Your Company Provide Mental Health Apps to Employees? including a powerful model to determine their R.O.I.
The Harvard Business Review suggests that decisions around digital mental health products for employees should be based not on marketing or their alleged popularity but on the evidence, engagement, and the types of therapists associated with the product.
To determine an app’s R.O.I., managers should estimate the cost due to the conditions (e.g., lost productivity) per employee, request engagement data to learn the average percentage of users who will remain active on the app after two weeks, ask the company for estimates of the app’s positive impact on mental health in terms of a percent reduction in symptoms, and seek data on the duration (the fraction of a year) the intervention will offer a sustained effect.
Multiplying these four numbers together will give managers an estimate of the potential cost benefit of an app per employee over one year.
Calculation Example:
$5,000 of lost productivity x a 25% reduction in depression scores x a three-month duration of effect (25% of a year) equals approximately $312 dollars per year. But if engagement is 5%, then multiplying $312 by 5% yields a value of approximately $16 per year.Â
More details of the model and sample calculations are found in this published paper.
Why an in-person relaxation coach is the better choice over literally leaving participants to their own devices.
Meditation with an in-person coach surpasses the efficacy of meditation apps for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, the personalized guidance provided by a coach ensures that the meditation experience is tailored to the individuals specific needs and preferences. Unlike apps that offer a generic approach, a coach can adapt the meditation technique, style, and even background elements to create a session that resonates deeply with the participant, fostering a more profound and meaningful experience.
Furthermore, the immediate feedback and interaction with an in-person coach contribute to a more focused and effective meditation practice. The coach can address questions, provide real-time adjustments to the participant’s meditation posture or technique, and offer insights based on their expertise. This dynamic engagement significantly enhances the learning process, making meditation more accessible and enjoyable, especially for beginners who may struggle with the nuances of the practice.
One of the key advantages that sets in-person coaching apart is accountability. Unlike apps where users may easily disengage, an in-person coach establishes a supportive partnership, holding the participant accountable for their meditation journey. This accountability ensures consistency and commitment, crucial elements for the long-term success of a meditation practice. The coach becomes a motivating force, encouraging regular practice and guiding the participant through challenges, resulting in a more sustainable and impactful meditation experience.
In essence, the interpersonal connection, personalized guidance, immediate feedback, and accountability fostered by an in-person coach create a meditation experience that goes beyond the capabilities of an app. It transforms meditation from a solitary, routine activity into a dynamic and transformative journey guided by an experienced mentor.
Interested in providing your team with the genuine advantages of mental well-being to not only attract and retain top talent but also enhance overall workplace satisfaction?