How Wearable Tech is Revolutionizing the Workplace

Wearables  

⯀ The modern-day global workplace has been unashamedly invaded by technology in recent years. A little over 5 years ago, employees were required to bring their own devices to work, now they are often required to wear them. At present, wearable tech user penetration in the USA stands at 9.8% and is expected to reach 11.2% in 2022. When you think about wearable tech, chances are you envisioning a fitness strap used by gym-goers to monitor their heart rates and track their steps.

Wearable tech is, however, no longer limited to consumers interested in tracking their progress in terms of fitness. At the office, wearable technology is also making headway, revolutionizing the workplace by increasing productivity, safety and changing the way managers evaluate their staff. More and more companies are jumping on the wearables bandwagon, discovering how their technology can transform the workplace.

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Increased levels of productivity

Wearable tech can benefit a diverse range of employees ranging from office workers and telecommuters to individuals employed in an industrial environment and even those choosing to work remotely. According to a study conducted by Salesforce, more than 75% of wearable users experience improved business performance, underlining the notion that wearable tech can boost productivity. Basic wearables, such as smartwatches can streamline vital customer interactions as well as increase employee support by producing seamless on-site experiences on a daily basis. Wearable tech that measures activity levels increases not only an employee’s awareness of his own actions, but his productivity as well. One wearable that is enjoying rapid technological advancements is smart glasses that have been proven to be of extreme benefit to field workers. These devices are able to provide a worker with important information instantaneously, allowing them to complete a difficult task with ease.

Enhanced workplace safety

Work-related injuries across all industries are costing the USA in excess of $250 billion a year, making it a top-priority for businesses to identify possible danger areas, thus decreasing the prevalence of injuries while on duty. Among the latest in wearable technology is a range of sensors that can measure human movement unlike ever before. By placing small, wireless sensors on employees as they go about their daily routine, the business is provided with a live data feed that can be transformed into measurable results. Repetitive ‘dangerous’ movements that can lead to injuries can be pinpointed, minimizing injury risk. In certain industries, such as construction, the sensors can be paired with safety beacons that are equipped with their own transmitters, allowing management to outline unsafe or restricted areas and send visual or audible alarms that will warn workers to stay out of the area.

The future of wearable tech in the workplace

According to ABI Research, 500 million wearable devices will have been sold by 2021, and that is not even including the applications that drive them. Wearable devices in the workplace is undoubtedly here to stay but in order for their mass integration to remain seamless, special consideration has to be given to ethical respects (such as the right to privacy), data privacy risks and a continued liability for employers. If all practices remain ethical and above-board, the use of wearable technology can continue to assist employers to monitor the movements and productivity of their workers, assess employee wellbeing, market and cross-sell new products and engage effectively on all levels within the organization.

Our work spaces are changing at a rapid speed with wearable tech and smart offices leading the labor force into a more connected, responsive future. If utilized in a responsible manner, wearable devices are able to make the workplace a happier, safer and more productive one for employers and employees alike which, in turn, will not only boost customer experience but the global economy as well.

By  Jane Hooper
Author Bio - Jane is a freelance writer and editor. She is particularly interested in looking at ways to boost intellect, delay mental aging and live longer.