New App Helps Businesses Track Employee Movement; Assists Personnel In Maintaining Social Distance

Employees need not worry about what excuses to say to keep their distance from co-workers. Reports say that new devices that track movements of employees in company settings may become part of the so-called “new normal.”

Maintaining Distance

As lockdown restrictions are relaxed and more businesses resume operations, health experts are advising companies to ensure their employees observe social distancing. As Americans return to work, they are likely to be asked to stay away from each other as they go about doing their routine tasks. However, this can sometimes be easier said than done, which is why some workers may be asked or even required to wear monitoring badges or bracelets to track their movements.

In a report by The Intercept, several tech companies have come up with devices that would help everyone maintain a safe distance from one another. These products include badges that one can wear around their neck or bracelets that can be worn on their wrists.

Technology To The Rescue

Tech firms like Redpoint and AiRISA are looking to use WiFi, radio signals, and Bluetooth in devices designed to help businesses monitor the exact locations of their employees. In theory, the workers would wear these devices, and every time they got to close to another worker, the device would issue a type of notice or warning. Depending on its settings, the device might let off a shrill noise, for instance. They could also be used to maintain a log of each instance and even monitor the interactions of employees.

According to a report by Slate, some hospitals are already using similar devices that use RFID chips to monitor the movements of health workers. These devices may also be installed on soap dispensers, door handles, and sinks, to identify when an RFID-enabled lanyard is close, hence, tracking who is properly and frequently washing their hands.

Enforcing Social Distancing

In a recent press release, tech firm Redpoint stated that companies in China are already using its technology to aid them in enforcing social distancing measures. “When we saw our solution helping our clients in China, we wanted to make it available to the rest of the world,” Chunjie Duan, the CEO, and co-founder of Redpoint, said.