Q&A – Lone Worker Tech Adoption [Webinar]
During our recent webinar focused on driving usage and adoption of lone worker technology we received a host of questions. Some were answered during the session, but we didn’t get the chance to answer all of them. We’ve collected all the questions and provided answers.
Recap Webinar
Privacy & GDPR
How do we provide evidence to reassure staff that lone worker fobs are not being used by managers as a way of tracking in real time where staff are and what they’re doing?
What’s really important is communicating why you need their location. Fundamentally, we need that location to send someone help in the event of an emergency, and without that location, we can’t send that help. Usually taking it back to something as simple as that helps people to make sense of that information capture.
How do we reassure our staff around privacy with the app or device?
Communication is key. Staff should be told that personal information they provide is only used by the ARC for emergencies – it is not to be used by managers for tracking their location. This can be further enforced if it is written into the organisation’s lone working policy.
Role-Based Access Controls and additional privacy controls in Nexus allow customers to control who in the organisation can see personal and location data.
How does the technology protect from GDPR issues on personal phones?
The Peoplesafe app does not store any personal data. Locations data may be sent to the Peoplesafe platform which can be used to locate a member of staff in an emergency. Customers have full control over who in their organisation can see personal and location data.
Driving Usage
Do you have any examples of where Peoplesafe has helped in the event of an incident which demonstrates the value of the system and would help user apathy?
We have a range of real-life stories from alarms that have been handled in our Alarm Receiving Centre. We also have a fantastic video case study which demonstrates the value of the service that one of our users felt when she raised an alarm.
How would you recommend improving usage amongst employees who don’t feel they need it as they have never felt unsafe at work?
One strategy you could use is shifting the narrative away from we’re giving you this device or app in case something bad happens to demonstrating this is part of how we’re looking after you every day and protecting your health and safety at work. This is coming from a place of care and it’s about making sure that if something was to happen, help can get there faster. It’s about peace of mind for them and their familiies, and you as an organisation.
Using real stories can be a powerful tool. It may not have happened to this particular individual, but something may have happened to a colleague and just hearing personal stories can make a big difference. A housing association reported a 30% increase in usage after a user shared an experience they had.
What do you think is the best way to approach your team to find out about usage – we’re not with them while they’re lone working, so we’re trusting them to use the system.
Setting up scheduled reports is the most impactful tool you can use to measure usage. A daily report for managers can ensure that their team has successfully checked out and arrived home safely.
If daily reports feels like too much, weekly reports can demonstrate that staff are using the service as directed. We see a 35% higher rate of usage when customers have weekly scheduled reports direct to their inbox.
Finally, monthly reports can be sent to the Executive Sponsor or senior stakeholders to show which teams are using the service effectively.
How do you strike the right balance between offering guidance and allowing users to learn through exploration and hands-on use of the technology?
Often the best way to learn something is to do it yourself. We encourage users to test all device and app features, so they understand what happens when they press the button. Ultimately, users should be trained on how your organisation expects them to use the technology. As long as this is clearly communicated, they will be getting hands-on experience of using the service.
What are the advantages of the device over the mobile app?
A device is a dedicated lone worker alarm which means its sole function is to provide a connection between the user and Peoplesafe’s Alarm Receiving Centre. They are designed to be discreet so alarms can be raised covertly without escalating a situation. Devices have a built-in roaming SIM which improves connectivity in areas of patchy signal to give users the best available connection when raising an alarm for help.
In addition, they are easily wearable using a range of accessories, such as ID badge holders and belt clips. They are also built with robust casing which makes them extremely durable. Staff that struggle with mobile technology often prefer the simplicity of a device.
However, if staff would prefer to use their mobile phones, the Peoplesafe lone worker application has the exact same functionality as a device. Many organisations find a mix of solutions to be the best way to protect their staff and encourage usage.
What can users do when they have no coverage? Would the fall detection still work without any signal?
If the phone or device has no signal, then the alarm will not be able to connect to the ARC.
When staff are going to enter a known area of no coverage, we would advise that they send a manual position and set a timed alarm with a voice memo or text activity explaining the task they are about to complete and the potential risks. Timers are held server-side and not on the device so will still be running even in areas of no signal. If the timer is not cancelled, the user’s escalation procedure will be followed.
Shortcuts & Automations
How do you find automations so you can set them up on your Android phone?
Automations are available in the Google Home app. You can create a Personal Routine by opening the Google Home app, tapping Automations, then Add and then select Personal. Add your preferred starters and actions. We’ve written a help centre article on shortcuts and automations.
Is the shortcut function a second app?
No, shortcuts are added to your phone’s home screen when they’re created, but are not a second app that needs to be downloaded.
Is the API function an additional cost?
The API function is an additional cost.
