From smartphones to connected thermometers, focus on the Internet of Things in HR and beyond.
Whether you realize it or not, the Internet of Things (IoT) has made its way into your organization; and experts predict that more than half of new businesses will run on IoT technology by 2020.
What is IoT? Generally, it’s pretty much everything connected to the Internet, from simple sensors to smartphones and tools such as Alexa and Home. Partnering these connected devices with automated systems enables organizations to collect and analyze information and devise action plans accordingly. IoT empowers companies to be more efficient, saving time and money while increasing accuracy and quality.
Information technology (IT) departments need to have a game plan for managing IoT. As with other technologies, there are cybersecurity issues related to IoT, including risks for malfunctioning and hacking, that must be addressed. For example, voice-activated devices such as Alexa connected to the company network could be vulnerable to “botnet” attacks, which compromise both personal and organizational security. To protect employees, the employer, patients, and other stakeholders, you need policies and procedures regarding how these devices are connected to the network.
HR should develop strategies to address the impact of IoT on the organization:
· Understand the significance of the analytics coming from IoT. Determine how you will use this data for decision-making and strategy planning.
· Maximize ways for IoT to improve the employee experience, such as enabling people to book meetings and invite participants; encouraging real-time virtual problem-solving and information exchanges; and letting staff get quick answers to questions 24/7.
· Stress in recruiting and hiring how your organization uses IoT to increase work flexibility. This is likely to be a big draw for Millennial and Generation Z job seekers.
· Use IoT to monitor and measure employee wellness and provide workers with information they can use to make appropriate lifestyle and other health-related changes.
· Employ the enhanced connectivity of IoT to help create a digital culture where managers and workers can communicate quickly, frequently, and productively. This can enable simplified continuous performance management.
Increasingly, your employees are using IoT at home. Bringing this into the office and using it efficiently can enhance engagement and retention, while maximizing productivity and quality of care.
