Wearable technology at work?
8 June 2015
Read by 2629 persons
According to a survey, 63% of IT managers believe that wearable computers, such as watches and glasses, will become everyday work tools. While Apple Watches and Google Glass aren't yet widespread in offices, these wearable computers could make us even more connected to our work.
Wearable technologies like smartwatches or smart glasses are still far from reaching their full potential, especially in Quebec. For example, only 1 in 20 Quebec adults plans to buy a smartwatch in the next year, according to the Centre facilitant la recherche et l'innovation dans les organisations (CEFRIO).
However, the possibilities are many. The first uses will probably be similar to those of smartphones. MobileIron conducted a survey of professionals already using mobile technologies at work: 42% of them own or plan to get a wearable device. Of this number, 58% plan to use these devices for phone calls, 56% plan to use them to check their emails, and 44% to receive alerts such as meeting reminders.
Another survey by Salesforce Research reveals that 62% of the companies surveyed use or plan to adopt smartwatches within the next two years. However, a third of these companies believe that the main obstacle remains the lack of applications dedicated to businesses and workplaces.
Some already exist, and many developers are trying to capitalize on the upcoming boom. For example, some applications provide technical assistance to employees in a factory, while another helps warehouse workers find their way around inventory. Virgin Atlantic has decided to equip some of its boarding agents at London's Heathrow airport with Google Glass. Employees thus have access to all passenger information, such as flight delays or weather forecasts.
A risk to privacy?
Smart accessories risk further blurring the lines between professional and private life. Company emails or internal messaging will be even more accessible than they are now. One avenue considered by some companies is to compile the biometric data of employees recorded by smartwatches. This data could in some cases be used to reduce company insurance premiums if the company offers life or health insurance to its employees.
Implementing it the right way
However, digital-age glasses and watches shouldn't be implemented just anyhow. "First, you have to ask yourself if it will really increase the company's productivity," advises division director at Robert Half Technology, Héloïse St-Pierre. We must also ensure that these new technologies do not create a risk to the confidentiality of the company's data. Finally, it is important that employees receive adequate training so that the introduction of new devices is worthwhile.
Workopolis.com
Posted online June 8, 2015.
Wearable technologies like smartwatches or smart glasses are still far from reaching their full potential, especially in Quebec. For example, only 1 in 20 Quebec adults plans to buy a smartwatch in the next year, according to the Centre facilitant la recherche et l'innovation dans les organisations (CEFRIO).
However, the possibilities are many. The first uses will probably be similar to those of smartphones. MobileIron conducted a survey of professionals already using mobile technologies at work: 42% of them own or plan to get a wearable device. Of this number, 58% plan to use these devices for phone calls, 56% plan to use them to check their emails, and 44% to receive alerts such as meeting reminders.
Another survey by Salesforce Research reveals that 62% of the companies surveyed use or plan to adopt smartwatches within the next two years. However, a third of these companies believe that the main obstacle remains the lack of applications dedicated to businesses and workplaces.
Some already exist, and many developers are trying to capitalize on the upcoming boom. For example, some applications provide technical assistance to employees in a factory, while another helps warehouse workers find their way around inventory. Virgin Atlantic has decided to equip some of its boarding agents at London's Heathrow airport with Google Glass. Employees thus have access to all passenger information, such as flight delays or weather forecasts.
A risk to privacy?
Smart accessories risk further blurring the lines between professional and private life. Company emails or internal messaging will be even more accessible than they are now. One avenue considered by some companies is to compile the biometric data of employees recorded by smartwatches. This data could in some cases be used to reduce company insurance premiums if the company offers life or health insurance to its employees.
Implementing it the right way
However, digital-age glasses and watches shouldn't be implemented just anyhow. "First, you have to ask yourself if it will really increase the company's productivity," advises division director at Robert Half Technology, Héloïse St-Pierre. We must also ensure that these new technologies do not create a risk to the confidentiality of the company's data. Finally, it is important that employees receive adequate training so that the introduction of new devices is worthwhile.
Workopolis.com
Posted online June 8, 2015.
