Energy companies continue to provide their employees with more workplace options. As the number of mobile workers rises so does the volume of wearable devices that employees rely on. Increasingly, they use smart earwear and wristbands to do their jobs.
The variety of wearable devices has been increasing as the technology matures. These solutions become foundational pieces for employees who are not tied to a desk and need to input data. As a result, worldwide shipments of wearable devices are expected to reach 504.1 million units in 2023, according to International Data Corporation (IDC).
Smart earwear facilitates hands-free communication among employees in busy and remote workplaces. These devices often combine the features of traditional headphones or earphones with additional intelligence to create smarter, more immersive devices and experiences.
For instance, wireless earbuds are smart headphones and sometimes come with built-in microphones. Consequently, employees make and receive calls, participate in conferences, and collaborate with colleagues without the need for handheld or desktop devices. These solutions offer features, like noise cancellation, smart assistants, and personalized sound profiles, that boost productivity.
Smart wristbands are helpful when employees require hands-free operation, such as when performing field maintenance. They deliver interactive, glanceable, and actionable information. Employees can receive instructions, updates, and notifications through their device while keeping their hands free to perform manual tasks.
Also, many mobile field staffs work in hazardous environments and physically demanding places. These devices often include health monitoring capabilities that help to safeguard employee well-being. For instance, wristband sensors track vital signs, noise levels, and environmental conditions,
A Little Help Needed
Energy companies do not have much experience with the technology Consequently, they need to build up their expertise to support employees using these devices. Often, this step requires working with third party specialists.
In addition, security is a concern with any technology device – and wearables are no exceptions. As a result, utilities need to put checks in place to ensure that employee use of the devices does not jeopardize confidential information.
How employees get work has been changing. The rise in remote workers led to an increase in interest and use of wearable devices. They offer ways to boost productivity, but these companies need to gain experience in them and secure them to be sure they operate effectively