Clocking in in the New World of Tech
Technology is continuously transforming businesses. From how we hire employees to how operations are performed, technological advances are providing unmatched workplace benefits.
Many organizations have shifted to hybrid working setups, resulting in reduced costs and enhanced efficiency. This transformation is also providing fantastic advantages to employees.
In this post, we will help you understand some of the more recent innovations and their impact on the workplace.
Impact of Technological Developments in the Workplace
The long pandemic has highlighted the benefits of hybrid working for businesses as well as employees. It has become a permanent transformation for many organizations and has led to various workplace innovations.
Here are some of the more recent technological developments and their influence on the workplace.
Clocking In with an ID Badge. Employee time-tracking with a security ID badge is gaining popularity. This technology prevents employees from asking their co-workers to punch in their times when they are not physically there. It increases transparency and enables organizations to increase productivity.
Each ID badge is equipped with a smart chip. The card reader collects information from the chip and records data.
The two common types of ID badges used for time-clocking are:
Proximity Card. Also known as prox cards, these RFID cards are contactless and do not require insertion in card readers. Instead, employees just need to bring them close to the card reader, and they will transmit data, eliminating the need for physical touch between the card and the reader.
Magnetic Stripe Cards. Employees need to swipe these cards to share information. The worker with the card has to stop, insert the card and wait for it to be read. Those seconds build up to minutes, which become lost hours, days and even weeks. Another disadvantage of these cards is that they get demagnetized over time, and the continuous friction of cards being swiped can cause the readers to wear out faster.
If we compare the two, prox cards are a more reliable and time-saving solution. When a large number of employees come for a shift at the same time, there may be bottlenecks as employees wait in line to punch in. Workers can get clocked in faster and more efficiently when they use a prox card ID badge as a timekeeping device.
Considerations Before Implementing ID Badge Time-Clocking. If you are thinking of implementing employee ID badges for time-keeping, don’t forget to create a solid plan for employees who accidentally forget or lose their ID badges. Managers can issue temporary cards that have to be returned at the day’s end, or they can perhaps clock in the employee themselves.
IoT-Powered Technology. The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the connectivity of “things” to the internet. This allows various devices to communicate with each other and provide immense ease and automation for users. With over 30 billion devices expected to connect to each other by 2025, IoT is going to be a game-changer in various applications.
For instance, consider smart printers. You can send a command to your printer using your phone or laptop from anywhere, with no need for messy cable connections! Furthermore, the printers can monitor ink levels and notify you well in advance to avoid any empty cartridge emergencies.
How IoT is Bringing Change in Offices. Forward-thinking firms represent a greater use of IoT. Here is how it’s contributing to several workspaces:
- IoT helps automate business functions, making employees more efficient. It can send auto-notifications to managers when stock is about to run out. And it can help with hiring employees and increasing workplace safety.
- Innovative organizations are creating smart offices. Smart desks, for instance, help employees become more productive and healthier. These desks are built with technology that can prompt an employee to stand up if they have been sitting for too long. They can also monitor liquid intake and notify if someone isn’t getting enough water. Smart desks also act as personal assistants and can give meeting reminders.
- IoT-connected devices now can control office security systems and the internal office temperature through apps.
Smart Lockers. In many offices now using hybrid working methods, different employee teams may visit the office premises at different times, meaning fixed cubicles aren’t as necessary as they are in traditional on-site working setups.
This new work style raises questions related to the safe transfer of documents and the keeping of personal belongings. Thankfully, smart locking systems resolve the concern. Employees use barcodes, employee ID cards or apps to access lockers. Once a package or document is placed in a locker, the intended recipient is automatically notified.
Moreover, smart lockers are contactless and help employees secure items without staff assistance. And they eliminate the need for a shared touchscreen, as users can open lockers using a mobile app.
Touch-Free and Voice-Enabled Tech. Already familiar at home, voice assistants like Cortana and Alexa are now finding their place in the office. Managers use digital assistants to manage their calendars, set alarms and reminders and quickly access information.
By simply connecting to an app, staff can quickly use this workplace technology to review data before attending meetings. The voice-enabled tech also helps employees access emails and client records. Some companies use voice assistants to resolve minor technical issues rather than calling IT support.
Tech for Improving Employee Health. Because individuals who are in good health, physically and emotionally, tend to have higher productivity, many organizations are investing in technology to enhance employee health.
The use of treadmill desks is increasing. Employees who sit for long hours can develop back and neck pain; these desks keep them active while improving productivity. Likewise, fitness trackers help monitor heart rate and improve sleep.
Virtual wellness programs are also gaining popularity. Instead of asking employees to use gym services, companies can enroll workers in virtual programs in which they can practice mediation, yoga and other exercises from the comfort of their homes.
Cloud Computing. Cloud computing is an innovative technology gaining use. It allows employee data and applications to be stored in the “cloud" (a remote server accessed via the internet) as opposed to on their own computer or server.
For businesses, implementing on-premises data security measures can be very expensive. With the right security protocols in place, a cloud-based system helps secure the data at lower costs.
With cloud computing, employees can set up a virtual office effectively. They have the freedom to connect to the organization at any time and from any location. For instance, they can access data when traveling to and from work, at home or while on vacation.
Implement Modern Technology for a Better Tomorrow
Undoubtedly, tech advancements are bringing big change to the workplace. From employee efficiency to work flexibility, these innovations have brought many benefits.
Whether you are looking to utilize employee ID Cards for time-clocking or purchase smart desks for your workforce, do your homework and choose the best vendor for your needs.
