Could wearable technology improve productivity?

Unique studies into how to increase employee productivity are always interesting for business leaders. No matter how far-fetched they may seem on the surface, there is something in there to take out of it.

The latest study from the Institute of Management Studies at the University of London claims that employees wearing smart technology will be more productive and satisfied at work.

University researchers took three different devices to a media company and asked 120 employees to wear them. They included an accelerometer wristband for measuring activity, a biosensor for monitoring brain activity and a device which acts as a posture coach.

While the novelty factor of the technology would distract many employees, the results show this wasn't necessarily the case. An increase of 8.5 per cent was recorded among workers wearing the devices and job satisfaction grew 3.5 per cent.

The content available on the wearable devices was not accessible to employees all the time, so as to avoid distraction and curiosity.

Research leader Dr. Chris Brauer said wearable devices can act as the start for businesses to implement other technology like cloud computing or workflow automation.

"Wearable technology is arguably the biggest trend since tablet computing so it's natural that employees and businesses will look to use these devices in the workplace," he said.

"Our initial findings suggest that there is benefit to be gained from doing so alongside risks and opportunities that need to be proactively addressed."

As well as wearable technology, Dr. Brauer explained in an article for CNN that businesses overall benefit the most from installing technology with more productivity and employee engagement.

For businesses that don't want to shell out to invest in wearable devices, there is recruitment software and efficiency software available. By streamlining in these areas, employers can guarantee the company is operating at its peak.