Worker safety improved dramatically from the 1980s until recent years, now rates of serious injuries and fatalities have plateaued across the industrial sector. In addition, organizations are looking for ways to keep up with rising demand and reductions in both personnel and production resources. Companies are starting to meet this rising demand by implementing a series of changes throughout the industry, for example, using technology such as wearable tech and virtual reality to have greater control over processes and to access actionable data.
Although this is a great way to enhance productivity and efficiency, too often machines are the main focus of these strategies. However, digital operations and transformations must not only include people but emphasize and make them the center of focus.
Given the critical role humans play in every activity, it’s time for a comprehensive rethink of how and what is the focus of digital operations.
Keeping people at the center is key to productivity
In the modern, connected workplace is important that employees not just feel, but actually, be empowered. Especially now, where worker safety is paramount, and organizations are still plagued by disengagement and demotivation brought on by Covid-19’s mass uncertainty and disruption.
To experience success in the industrial space, growth and scale are mandatory. The only way to achieve that is with a motivated and empowered workforce. Hearing their thoughts, implementing their ideas, and addressing their concerns are all crucial to building a culture of empowerment. A people-centric approach gives the workforce a voice, allowing them to feel invested in the company and feel responsible for any successes.
Empowering the workforce to make better decisions
Implementing technologies that are people-centric is empowers the workforce to share perspectives and fosters a culture where those perspectives are valued. But it also gives workers the means to make better, more informed decisions. This not only helps output and efficiency but optimizes decision-making processes that can save lives. Connected solutions built with people in mind are the ones that truly make a difference in today’s workplace.
Organizations need to adopt solutions that help address specific gaps in operational procedures and conditions. This will ensure worker health and safety, as well as drive up productivity and efficiency. This results in a safer, more productive workforce, which in turn translates into better performance and profits.
Prioritize people over machines, streamline change management
For effective change management, it is important for organizations to take a people-centric approach. Improved experiences are critical for not just employee retention and engagement, but for productivity and business continuity.
People-centric approaches keep employees at the forefront. Listening to their apprehensions and recommendations throughout the transformation process; while keeping them informed and leveraging their experience for a solution that solves real-world issues they experience on a day-to-day basis.
Industry 4.0 digital technology is revolutionizing new ways of working, but losing sight of the human aspect, their needs, and their contributions is a failing path. By understanding how people feel about the changes being implemented, getting their support, and overcoming apprehensions, organizations can deliver long-term, sustainable change that benefits both workers and the business.
Setting the stage for future success
According to a recent article by the World Economic Forum, organizations are focused on relieving emotional fatigue, increasing worker agility, and attracting skilled workers. Digital tools that can provide real-time information and insights to prepare, anticipate and respond effectively to workers’ needs must be considered a priority as well.
Forward-thinking organizations are constantly preparing themselves for the future and more and more they are adopting a people-centric approach to achieve this. Migrating from a machine-centric approach to a people-centric approach makes organizations place people at the center of everything they do.
About Guardhat
Guardhat is pioneering end-to-end connected worker safety solutions for industrial workers. We offer cutting-edge, wearable technology; a proprietary connected worker platform – unrivaled in its ability to ingest, manage and analyze unstructured data; easy to deploy monitoring and reporting software; and a growing ecosystem of partner integrations.
Guardhat enables companies to monitor worker location, health, and work environment to shorten reaction time and help proactively solve safety challenges. We hold 15 patents in real-time location systems, wearable solution design, and connected worker software. If you are interested in our connected safety solutions – including situational awareness, environmental and biometric monitoring, multi-modal communication, real-time location tracking and insights, Covid-19, and advanced technology solutions – contact us to arrange a demo.
