The Internet of Things (IoT) has gained a lot of interest and traction in the past couple of years. As companies realized the need for more advanced solutions to carry their business into the future, adopting IoT technologies became a top priority. Now that this technology has been available and in use for a few years, we are starting to witness how it is capable of revolutionizing the way we work. Numerous workplace operations are enhanced with IoT, from improved security to better communication and connectivity. However, beyond improving business operations, IoT can also be utilized to boost employee experiences. Not only can employees work more efficiently and be more innovative with IoT, but IoT technologies can also be used to improve the health and well-being of workers. And when employees are happier and healthier, they are more likely to do better work and have increased job satisfaction.
What Is IoT and How Does it Work?
IoT stands for the “Internet of Things” and describes a network of physical devices that are embedded with sensors and advanced algorithms that enable them to connect. The most significant benefit that comes from IoT is its use of data. Because IoT devices are connected, it allows them to collect, exchange, and analyze data all in real time. Users can then make smarter, more informed decisions with this knowledge. In an office setting, a range of IoT devices can be utilized to gain more insight into operations and the data can then be used to help companies make changes or adjustments as needed to improve processes going forward. For example, IoT security devices can significantly improve safety and security in the office by providing real-time data for enhanced access control and monitoring.
How IoT is Changing the Way We Work
The way we work has been changing for many years now since things started going digital, but there has been a much more distinct shift in recent years with significant advancements in technology. Remote work, for example, has increased in popularity in just the past couple of years, which is in part due to the COVID pandemic, but also due to technologies that have made remote work more achievable. IoT technologies have played a significant role in this transition to remote and hybrid work styles. Before IoT, remote work was still possible, but with IoT, many of the hurdles that came with remote work have been overcome. In remote work settings, IoT now enables greater connectivity, which allows for improved communication. No matter where someone is located, they can now more easily connect with and strategize over tasks and other things that need to get done. IoT also enables remote monitoring, which allows workers to get things done even if they are not onsite. Aside from enabling greater efficiency for remote work, IoT benefits businesses in numerous ways:
- Enhanced security: Access control systems can now be more efficiently managed with IoT. All security can be managed remotely or centrally, making it easier to monitor and grant access. IoT also enables greater sharing of data that companies can use to gain insights into vulnerabilities in their security systems as well as identify patterns that can help them predict when a breach is going to occur.
- Cost savings: By enabling companies to be more efficient in their processes, it can help them cut back on costs. For example, some IoT devices can help with monitoring inventory or office supplies, helping to reduce overspending on unnecessary items.
- Improved decision-making: As mentioned already, IoT is a powerful data tool. By putting so much data at the tip of our fingers, IoT enables companies to make more informed decisions about things like process optimization, space utilization, and resource allocation.
- Improved sustainability: With IoT, organizations can also create smarter buildings or office spaces. For example, through monitoring and analytics, IoT devices can help companies improve the energy efficiency in their buildings and spaces, which helps cut costs and improves sustainability. IoT systems can also easily integrate with renewable energy sources, such as solar panels to further improve efficiencies.
- Greater innovation: Another great benefit of IoT is how it can help boost creativity and foster a more innovative work culture. With IoT and the data it provides, workers can more easily define problems, explore possibilities, and generate innovative solutions. The simple fact that IoT also enables greater communication allows for more collaboration on projects as well, which can foster innovation and help employees generate more ideas.
Overall, IoT can significantly boost efficiencies and productivity levels for employees and the companies they work for. It has quickly become one of the go-to technologies to integrate into the workplace for a reason as it can help improve several things.
Ways IoT Can Be Used to Improve Employee Wellbeing
Employee well-being is always something companies should be working to improve, but it should especially be a focus for high-pressure industries where employee stress tends to be higher. There are many ways companies can help their employees manage stress, such as encouraging them to prioritize self-care and have a better work-life balance, but IoT can also help. Simply using IoT to help automate repetitive tasks can help alleviate workloads for employees, which can improve their day-to-day work life. However, IoT devices can also be used specifically to improve employee health. Companies can provide IoT wearables, for example, which can help employees track their health metrics. These wearables can offer insights into things like physical activity, sleep quality, and stress levels. This can empower employees to take control of their health and recognize when they are perhaps working too hard and need a break. Stressful work environments are a common cause of sleep problems, for instance, but it can be difficult to recognize signs that indicate when an employee is tired and overworked. For example, mood swings and trouble concentrating are signs of poor sleep, but these can also be signs of other issues. With an IoT wearable that monitors sleep, however, it can offer data that more clearly indicates when insufficient sleep is the problem. By providing IoT wearables, employers can create a more open-door policy that encourages employees to discuss their health issues that could be stemming from work.
Final Thoughts
There are countless ways IoT can be applied to improve the workplace, both for the business itself and its operations as well as improving employee well-being. Companies that use these technologies will have greater success because everything from their security and resource management to communication, task automation, and employee experience will be optimized and working at a greater level of efficiency.
