One of the many things the pandemic surfaced is how employers monitor lone workers. A Harvard Business Review article found that even before we were all sent home to work, over 60% of C-suite executives reported leveraging digital tools to collect employee data (HBR, 2020). This “corporate surveillance” has left employees hesitant and suspicious of company-mandated apps and programs.
Effective methods for a lone worker to check in when offsite often presents challenges. The “tried and true” approach to lone worker check in is simply having the employee phone in to check in. However, that system is fraught with errors as calls are missed or people often forget to check in. If a call center is used, it becomes very costly. In addition, occupational health regulations can sometimes be frustratingly vague, leaving the employer to figure out how to uphold a duty of care with their employees. Recently, several different cloud-based apps have come to the forefront to offer new solutions to old problems.
For whatever reason, whether there was a recent incident or to plan for worker safety, as a company, you’ve decided to explore App-Based Check-In tools for your lone workers. A quick Google search or perusal of App Stores, however, can return results that are daunting. With so many options--each claiming to have a leg up on the other—how do you determine which one is the right fit for your company? A seamless fit solution is key to employee buy-in, compliance, and success.
No two companies are the same, even companies who sell the same products or offer the same services. Every organization is unique, with unique people, unique operations and unique needs. Even internally, companies have differing needs—there may be two or more types of lone workers whose jobs expose them to completely different risks.
One of the most effective ways to protect lone workers and other employees who work in potentially dangerous environments is a wearable panic button. Wearable panic button devices provide lone workers with a personal alarm system that can be utilized in seconds to call for help. These devices are generally lightweight and easy to use, making them a simple solution to protect workers.