Wearable Devices Finding Their Way into the Workplace

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Photo courtesy of Ned Sahin (via Wkimedia Commons)

During the past couple of years, management had to figure out how to address workers using their mobile devices during work hours. When was it appropriate and when should they be shut off?

Now there’s a whole new problem: Workers wearing their access devices to work.

Wearable Access Devices

Wearables includes such things as watches, headgear, belts, glasses and even clothing that doubles as devices that provide Internet access. The market for these items is booming, with more than $70 billion expected to be spent on wearables by 2024.

The presence of wearables in the workplace is expected to surge even more later this year, when the new Apple Watch is expected to debut. Soon wearables in the workplace will be as common as smart phones, tablets and other access devices, especially at companies at the cutting edge of new technologies.

For some companies, wearables improve management’s ability to measure productivity and workflow because data can be collected from these device in order to reach a new level of employee insight.

But for others, wearables will be a distraction, the same way smart phones and tablets have been in recent years.

Then there’s the issue of security breaches and privacy issues. New rules will need to be developed to regulate the use of wearables and unclear policies will need to be rewritten.

Wearables and Big Data

Companies that view wearables as a positive can use these devices to gather huge amounts of data about workers’ daily routines. This data can then be used for predictive analytics and improvements to work flow. Data can be gathered to improve productivity, increase employee engagement and even minimize the number of workers’ personal days and sick days.

Then there is the health data wearables measure activity levels can provide. Apps like Samsung Gear and Fitbit, allow companies to monitor employee’s personal habits and health data like never before.

Many companies now use online health assessments and subsidized health club memberships as a way to promote weight loss and fitness among their employees, resulting in lower medical insurance costs. Wearables can take this even further, such as tracking workers’ posture while sitting at their desks or rewarding employees for taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

Wearables also can remind workers to choose more healthy food choices and potentially offer incentives for choosing to skip junk food.

Privacy Concerns 

Whenever new technology begins to appear in the workplace, it’s accompanied by security and privacy concerns. Wearables are no exception. According to one recent survey, 82% of respondents said they were worried that wearables would result in an invasion of their privacy, while 86% said they feared the devices would make them more vulnerable to data security breaches.

And then there are concerns about hackers. Wearable can record very personal and sensitive information which could easily be targeted by unauthorized outsiders. Wearable devices could be hacked when connected to an unsecured WiFi network outside of the office or if via poor online security practices, resulting in sensitive business information ending up in the wrong hands.

Worth the Risk?

The challenges of  introducing new technologies into the workplace are great, but wearables may end up playing an increasingly significant role in day-to-day business operations. Modern, innovative and engaging technologies can improve the employee’s experience, giving companies the opportunity to increase productivity and efficiency.

Wearables can give a clearer picture of how workers actually spend their time by providing real-time data on both an employee’s actions and their health. When used effectively and securely, wearables can make the entire office work better, engage more effectively, and be more productive and efficient.