Like many types of new mobile devices, the use of wearables in the workplace seems inevitable. While some workforces may already be prepared for smart watches and glasses, TechCrunch recently suggested that 2015 could be the year the possibilities of wearable technology become clear.
Although the Google Glass project was recently shelved, the source said that other devices are in the works to take its place, bolstered by the recent Consumer Electronics Show that took place last month in Las Vegas, Nevada. Some of these examples include enhanced electronic earbuds and even "Belty, " a technologically-advanced belt that can adjust its shape.
Aside from the novelty, the source says that some wearable devices have been shown to improve productivity by more than 8 percent, and that certain industries that require constant use of their hands can reap benefits from these solutions by allowing employees to more efficiently multi-task.
Writing for the Phoenix Business Journal, Shayna Balch identified both the risks and rewards of wearable usage in business. While she said that they could create potential security and privacy hazards, she also referenced the different ways this technology could manifest soon.
"Employees working in the retail industry might use a headset to locate merchandise quickly or alert managers of their needs while assisting customers," Balch writes. "Warehouse workers can utilize digital eyewear to streamline order fulfillment and limit returns. And medical professionals might be able to use a wearable monitoring device to detect fatigue and let them know when it is time to rest."
Companies may benefit from the growing wearables market by researching ways to increase productivity on mobile devices. This could include a mainframe terminal emulator solution that is easy to access through the different personal devices workers are likely to bring with them, wearable or not.