5 Ways Mobile Technology Can Help HR Professionals
Millions of employees are working not just beyond state lines, but international waters as well. But this freedom to work from anywhere poses a threat to physical safety, says Chris Holbert, CEO, SecuraTrac.
Hybrid and remote workplaces seem to be the new normal for the foreseeable future. A study by data scientists at Ladders found that by the end of 2022, 25% of all jobs in North America will be remote, which will continue to increase into 2023. A study by CoSo Cloud found that 77% of remote workers say more productive when they’re working from home, and most employees prefer this style of work because they maintain a better work-life balance. But remote working brings challenges to HR professionals when employees aren’t in the office or don’t have a stable and safe work environment every day.
The Issue With Remote Work
Security is a big issue regarding workplaces being hybrid or fully remote. With employees working at the office, there are multiple safety measures in place. Everything from security guards patrolling the premises to active shooters or fire emergencies protocols. However, with multiple employees working remotely, whether in different states, countries, cities, or just at home, companies and HR professionals can’t control employees’ safety as easily. Data from the 2022 State of Protective Intelligence Report found that at least 33% of physical security leaders report physical threats to remote workers as a top challenge in having a “mobile” office.
While HR professionals can utilize apps to track the location of employees using their smartphones, they are only effective for an after-the-matter cause. If an employee is in an incident harmed or put in danger, they still have no way to seek help. It’s not a tool to prevent threats. While employees can use common safety measures by utilizing their phones to call emergency services, make noise with their phone, yell, etc., this is not always effective or accessible. Employees may not always have their devices on them or be able to access them during an emergency.
How To Protect Remote Workers
A more effective way to ensure the safety of employees in cases where smartphones aren’t the solution would be mPERS (Mobile Personal Emergency Response) devices. These devices usually come as wearable technology in the form of a pendant, watch, clip-on belt attachment, etc. They can be easily incorporated into any employee’s day. They work by automatically recognizing potential emergencies and reporting incidents with or without pushing a button. This can allow employees to call or seek help, sometimes without even having to do anything.
What are mPERS Devices
mPERS devices are small, portable, and lightweight. They use up-to-date location technology, and some even offer built-in fall advisory capabilities. These devices can detect horizontal and vertical movement and initiate a call for help to emergency services without even pressing a button. This is perfect when employees may be unresponsive because of an attack or medical emergency, eliminating the need to call for help. The cloud-based technologies found in mPERS devices make it possible for Central Stations to pick up and respond to the need for help.
Benefit #1 – Long battery life
The devices can also last much longer on one charge than a normal cell phone. You aren’t constantly on them doing something by having fewer functions, no screen, apps, or texting ability to drain the battery. They can be turned off, but many also come with a “sleep” mode, where once the SOS button is pressed, the exact location information of the employee is sent to a central reporting station where an emergency call can be placed. There are mPERS devices on the market that can last up to 30 days on a single charge.
Benefit #2 – Mobile worker safety
These devices can also be used for HR departments with mobile workers to send reports of incidents that happen automatically. Each incident can be tracked with software platforms, including information on the location, time, date, and other information for every safety incident. This can also track falls that employees may be putting on a health insurance claim, so HR professionals have an easy way to access all the information. Giving remote and mobile employees a way to connect to emergency services if they need it other than their phone can not only give employees peace of mind but can also protect the company utilizing the technology. It also shows employees that their employer does care about them and wants them to remain safe.
Precautions HR Professionals Need To Take
But not just any mPERS device can satisfy all the needs of companies looking to employ these devices. Companies should consider several things before selecting a company-wide device. One of the companies’ most important considerations is looking into mPERS devices capable of 5G technology. By the end of this year, all major cell phone networks will fully transition to 5G technology, making out-of-date devices that can only handle 3G or 4G useless. Another consideration is to be sure that down the line, companies can upgrade employees’ devices if it becomes necessary.
Remote Work Is Here To Stay
Remote work is the new normal. Many companies offer it, but not all. The pandemic is a major part of this push. HR Professionals now have the tough job of ensuring employees stay safe, even when they work remotely. Cyber security isn’t the only risk; physical safety is too. mPERS devices are a great, easy, affordable way for companies to utilize advanced technologies to keep employees safe without hindering their remote work. Companies can also find comfort in that mPERS devices use cell signals to work, meaning even if workers are logging on abroad, they’re still connected to the local emergency services in the area and can receive help.
Remote work will continue to grow and expand in companies, meaning HR professionals will also need to adapt to the changing workplace environment.
How have you maintained employee safety in your workplace? Lets us know on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook. We would love to hear from you!
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