Whether your company has downsized, opened its doors at the same capacity as before, or incorporated a hybrid model, employees’ well-being has become business owners’ priority. Businesses have already started adopting technologies for improving employees’ productivity.
But do you know technology is now being leveraged to keep employees safe in the workplace? Yes, you heard it right.
When it comes to making the workplace safe, there is no shortage of options as diverse technologies have emerged. However, only a handful of businesses have incorporated technology. Many medium and small-sized companies are still lagging behind. Why?
Lack of knowledge is one reason behind their inability to integrate new technologies in their workplace. Shortage of funds could also be why many businesses are yet to adopt technology that makes the workplace safe.
Whether you plan to adopt workplace technology right away or after some time, deciding the important ones among the sea of options is tough. That’s why we’ve mentioned a few important ones that will keep your employees safe in the workplace.
#1 Wearable Technology
Over the past decade, wearable technology has soared in popularity, and for a good reason. Wearable technology, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, helps fitness enthusiasts monitor their heart rate, count their daily steps, and keep track of their fitness progress.
Fitness freaks aren’t the only ones who benefit from this technology. Wearable technology could also be used by employers for improved visibility within the workspace. These miniaturized devices can help reduce human errors while improving response time in case there’s an accident.
Wearables can also help improve workers’ accountability and work conditions by producing timely and trackable data. Take, for example, smart glasses. The specially embedded camera in these devices can record details of the work the wearer is performing and ensure it’s being carried out safely.
Smart vests and jackets can provide environmental data to their wearers, such as noise levels, airborne contaminants, and air quality. In addition, these devices can measure respiratory and heart rates and send vibrations as warning signals to those wearing them when safety thresholds exceed.
#2 Contactless Sign-in System for Guests and Employees
Prior to the pandemic, contactless sign-ins weren’t considered a necessity. But as employees returned to the office, they became an important component of every organization, as they track and collect visitors’ data.
Visitor management software or contactless sign-in systems are basically office gatekeepers. How? They allow entry to only approved visitors, ensuring workers’ safety.
Instead of recording their entry and exit time, employees and guests scan QR codes whenever they enter or exit the premises. This saves a considerable chunk of time. If you want to give your employees a completely contactless sign-in experience, you can take advantage of smartphone apps designed for the same.
Besides keeping your workplace secure, a visitor management system can improve your business’ branding.
The cost of implementing a user-friendly contactless sign-in system, Greetly says, is minimal, as fewer escorts, security guards, and front desk workers are required to identify visitors. Hence, it’s suitable for businesses of all sizes.
#3 Autonomous Cleaning Solutions in Restrooms
In the year 2020, cleaning practices became much more stringent than they ever were. Depending on the surface type, coronavirus can survive for up to 72 hours. Meanwhile, viruses of other types live longer than that.
Having a cleaning staff that works round-the-clock is not just difficult but impractical. Investing in cleaning technologies is a more effective and sensible move. Automatic faucets and soap dispensers aren’t the only innovations. These days, additional autonomous options, such as cleaning robots for surfaces and floors and app-controlled dishwashers, are available. All of these inventions prevent germs from spreading further.
#4 Online Collaboration Tools for Remote Workers
While it’s completely safe for employees to work from the office, businesses must be flexible and allow people to work remotely or in a hybrid setting. We’re living in uncertain times when anything can happen at any moment. Keeping yourself equipped with the necessary tools will keep your business prepared for uncertain times. That’s where collaboration tools enter the picture.
While team chat programs like Skype and Slack keep teams connected, cloud software allows businesses to store all their documents in one place. This way, managing and working on projects becomes easier.
You should also leverage in-out board software that will keep you informed when your employees are in and out of the premises.
Make Your Workplace Safe Without Sacrificing Productivity
Creating a safe workplace was never as much a necessity as it has become in the post-pandemic world. No doubt, the past few years have been challenging for businesses. But thankfully, technology has played a crucial role in helping businesses embrace change.
These are just a few important technologies that you can adopt to ensure your employees’ safety, irrespective of your business size. A few other technologies that promise to keep workers safe in the workplace are the Internet of Things, robots and drones, voice data collectors, and many more.
When deciding which technologies to capitalize on, take into account your business operations and unique needs. Rest assured, you’ll make an informed decision.
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