A Narrative Synthesis on the Role of Affective Computing in Fostering Workplace Well-Being Using a Deep Learning Model

Emotional information is more valued in the modern workplaces with increased focus on the need for sensing, recognizing and responding to human emotions. Integrating human emotions as information for communication and decision-making is possible through the computer-based solution called as “affective computing”. Affective computing is a relatively less explored AI platform though the notion is more than two decades old. The cognitive algorithms employed in affective computing operates in three key areas, viz. context sensitivity, augmented reality, and proactiveness, with outcomes in the fields of emotion management, health, and productivity. Affective computing promises better management of organizational outcomes such as fostering workplace well-being, promoting happiness, productivity, engagement levels, and communication. Further, affective computing can play vital roles in an employee’s life cycle with applications in functional areas of HRM like employee selection, training and development, and performance management. Even as workplaces are increasingly adopting affective computing, an analysis of its positive effects can help practitioners take informed decisions about its implementation. This paper outlines the theoretical underpinnings of affective computing, discusses the relevance of ResNet50 in image analysis, and proposes a step-by-step methodology for implementing affective computing techniques in the workplace. The potential benefits and challenges of adopting affective computing in fostering workplace well-being are also discussed. Thus, this chapter investigates the role of affective computing in fostering well-being in the workplace using a deep learning model.