The Fireside with BeniPlus: How Roga AI is Transforming Stress Management

In our latest episode of The Fireside with BeniPlus, we enjoyed speaking with Alison Smith, neuroscientist, founder, and Chief Scientist at Roga AI.

This insightful conversation was hosted by Johann Reandino, CEO of BeniPlus, and explored Alison’s inspiring journey, the science behind Roga AI, and its role in improving employee well-being.

Together, they unveiled the exciting collaboration between Roga and BeniPlus, which aims to revolutionize workplace wellness.

From Academia to Neurotech Pioneer

Alison began her career as a PhD neuroscientist in academia but sought to apply her expertise in the neurotechnology industry.

In 2018, she reached out to the CEO of a neurotech company, leading to a job offer that marked her shift into the private sector.

Specializing in brain stimulation wearables for performance enhancement and dementia, she met her future co-founder, a former Google product manager, at a Silicon Valley conference. Together, they launched Roga AI, a discreet and fashionable wearable device to combat stress and burnout.

The Evolution of Roga: From Concept to Cutting-Edge Design

Roga’s journey in crafting its wearable device has been nothing short of inspiring. As Alison highlighted, the goal was to blend functionality with style, creating a product that users would proudly showcase in public.

The adventure began with a basic prototype that relied on a simple wire and electrodes. However, it soon became evident that this design fell short, with frequent detachment proving a major drawback. The team then experimented with rigid ear hooks, which failed to deliver the desired results. After much experimentation and dedication, they finally developed a soft, flexible ear hook that maintained consistent skin contact, ensuring optimal performance.

Today, Roga wearables are sleek, portable, and available in three eye-catching colours: sky blue, charcoal, and rose gold. With a sharp focus on aesthetics, Roga is not just creating a product; they are redefining the landscape of traditional medical devices and establishing a bold new standard in wearable neurotechnology.

The Science Behind Roga AI

Roga's wearables use advanced neuroscience to stimulate the Great Auricular Nerve behind the ear. This gentle electrical pulse sends signals to essential brain areas, like the default mode network, linked to overthinking, and the amygdala, known as the fear center. By calming these areas, Roga helps users become more resilient.

According to Alison, this technology is invaluable for people dealing with chronic stress when traditional methods, like meditation, may not work. Roga provides a science-based alternative to medications and therapy, reducing the side effects that often come with those options.

Roga in Action: Real-World Applications

Roga is designed for those facing stress and burnout, particularly in high-stress industries like software development, finance, and caregiving. New parents also benefit from using it to relax after busy days.

The wearable is easy to use: just hook it over your ears, connect it to your phone, and start a session through the app—sessions last 20 to 60 minutes, with options for silent sessions or AI-guided meditations. Users typically report significant stress management improvements after four weeks of consistent use.

Additionally, the app uses AI to create personalized guided meditations based on users’ specific stress triggers, achieving a user engagement rate of 35%, well above the usual 5% for traditional telehealth solutions.

Post-Pandemic Stress: A Growing Workplace Challenge

As businesses navigate the post-pandemic landscape, stress and burnout among employees have reached unprecedented levels. Johann highlighted that 72% of the workforce now reports moderate to severe stress, leading to declines in performance, absenteeism, and turnover. Traditional employee assistance programs (EAPs), like telehealth therapy, are underutilized, with only 5% of employees engaging due to the overwhelming process of seeking help.

This is where Roga steps in as a proactive solution. HR teams and corporate leaders have started implementing Roga devices to support employee well-being. By addressing stress at its core, companies see improved employee engagement, productivity, and retention.

The Partnership Between Roga and BeniPlus

BeniPlus, celebrated for its innovative employee benefits solutions, has joined forces with Roga to bring transformative wearable stress management technology to businesses of all sizes. Johann shared how the BeniPlus Wallets empower employees to personalize their benefits and invest in what truly matters—whether it’s a gym membership, wellness services, or a Roga device.

This partnership exemplifies the unwavering dedication of both companies to elevate workplace wellness. By integrating Roga into the BeniPlus platform, employers can equip their teams with cutting-edge stress management tools, creating a workplace culture of happiness and health.

Why Roga Matters for Business Owners

Roga offers incredible benefits to employees, but Alison and Johann highlighted its transformative impact on business owners. Entrepreneurs and leaders often navigate a relentless whirlwind of responsibilities. Roga empowers them with the clarity and calm essential for effective leadership, igniting a positive ripple effect throughout their teams.

A Science-Backed Future

Roga stands out due to its strong scientific foundation. With 30 years of research and validation through peer-reviewed studies, Roga’s technology improves brain activity, heart rate variability, and overall well-being. Alison's dedication to providing data-driven solutions ensures that users can trust the effectiveness of Roga's wearables.

Watch the Full Fireside Chat

Watch the full fireside chat on YouTube to explore Alison’s journey, the science behind Roga, and the partnership with BeniPlus. Discover how these companies are transforming stress management and workplace wellness.

Explore More:

• Learn about Roga AI
• Discover BeniPlus

By integrating innovative technology with flexible benefits, Roga and BeniPlus are paving the way for a healthier, more resilient workforce. Whether you’re an employee, business owner, or HR leader, this collaboration offers tools to thrive in today’s demanding world.