The 5 Biggest Trends in Wearables Transforming the Workplace

Wearable technology has come a long way from step trackers and smartwatches. Today, wearables are changing the game in industries from logistics to agriculture, with businesses using these devices to boost safety, efficiency, and employee engagement in ways we couldn’t have imagined even just a decade ago.

 

Wearable technology is no longer just for tech giants and massive corporations - smaller companies are beginning to adopt these innovations, too. As the costs of devices like smart helmets, biometric sensors, and augmented reality glasses continue to decrease, adoption rates are climbing. 

 

According to a report by Fortune Business Insights, the global wearable technology market is projected to grow from $61.3 billion to over $186 billion by 2030, driven in part by broader accessibility and practical applications for businesses of all sizes. With wearables becoming more affordable and easier to integrate, we’re likely to see a wave of smaller companies leveraging these tools to improve safety, efficiency, and employee wellness.

 

We’ve spent a fair share of time geeking out over innovation (and figuring out how to actually make it work in the real world), so we’ll walk you through the top trends in workplace wearables. Let’s dive into some of the coolest trends redefining how wearable technology is being used in the workplace. 

 

Here are five standout examples that caught our attention.

 

Picture this: You’re on an oil rig in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by heavy machinery, unpredictable weather, and long, grueling shifts. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and even a split second of fatigue-induced inattention could lead to a catastrophic incident. Recognizing the critical importance of safety, BP has implemented cutting-edge wearable biometric sensors to monitor its workers in real time.

 

These devices are designed to track key health metrics such as heart rate, body temperature, stress levels, and even fatigue indicators. The wearables collect and analyze this data, sending instant alerts to both employees and supervisors when warning signs are detected. If a worker’s heart rate spikes or fatigue levels rise too high, they’re prompted to take a break or adjust their workload, ensuring they stay safe and alert.

 

Why It’s Cool:
This technology doesn’t just add a layer of safety, it transforms the culture of workplace accountability. By proactively addressing fatigue and health concerns, BP has significantly reduced workplace accidents and improved the overall well-being of its workforce. It’s a practical, forward-thinking solution that benefits both employees and the company. Healthier, happier employees mean greater productivity, fewer accidents, and a more resilient team.

 

Beyond safety, BP’s use of wearable tech highlights a shift in how companies approach employee well-being in hazardous industries. It’s no longer just about meeting regulatory standards; it’s about actively creating a safer, more supportive work environment.

 

 

 

Building an airplane requires extraordinary precision, with thousands of components that must be assembled flawlessly. Boeing has integrated augmented reality (AR) glasses into its operations to streamline this intricate process. These glasses project detailed wiring schematics, instructions, and diagrams directly into the engineers’ field of vision, eliminating the need for paper manuals or static screens.

 

 

The AR technology allows engineers to work faster and more accurately by providing real-time, step-by-step guidance. This significantly reduces error rates and improves assembly efficiency, ensuring that every step aligns with Boeing’s high safety and quality standards. The adoption of AR isn’t just a productivity boost, it’s a practical application of advanced technology in one of the most demanding industries, setting a new standard for precision in manufacturing.



 

 

John Deere is widely recognized for its iconic tractors, but the company is also a leader in leveraging advanced technology to enhance worker safety. One standout innovation is its use of smart helmets. These helmets come equipped with sophisticated sensors that detect a range of environmental hazards, including toxic gases, extreme temperatures, and proximity to dangerous machinery. They also feature built-in cameras that provide live video feeds, enabling managers to monitor worksites remotely and intervene when necessary.

 

Why It’s Cool:


 

These smart helmets transform traditional safety gear into a dynamic tool for real-time hazard detection and prevention. Workers aren’t just better protected, they’re empowered with instant feedback and alerts that help them make safer decisions on the job. Managers, meanwhile, gain an extra layer of oversight without needing to be physically present, which is especially valuable for large or remote sites.

 

 

 

PwC, a leader in professional services, has brought wearable technology into the office to enhance employee wellness and engagement. The company implemented fitness trackers as part of a comprehensive wellness initiative, encouraging employees to track their activity and participate in gamified challenges. Teams competed to see who could accumulate the most steps or meet specific fitness milestones, injecting a sense of camaraderie and healthy competition into the workplace.

Why It’s Cool:
PwC’s approach to wearables isn’t just about counting steps, it’s about fostering a culture of health and well-being. By integrating fun, team-based challenges, the program made wellness a collective effort, boosting morale and creating stronger bonds among colleagues. The benefits extended beyond just engagement; employees reported feeling more energized and focused, and the company saw a tangible reduction in healthcare costs.

 

This initiative highlights how wearable tech can transform wellness programs from an afterthought into a core part of company culture. It’s proof that with the right strategy, wearables can deliver real business value while making the workplace more dynamic and enjoyable.

 

 

 

DHL, a global leader in logistics, has revolutionized its warehouse operations by equipping employees with smart glasses. These devices provide workers with augmented reality overlays, guiding them to the exact location of items on the shelves and suggesting optimized routes to retrieve them. The glasses also display real-time order information, ensuring accuracy during the picking and packing process.

 

Why It’s Cool:


 

Logistics can be repetitive and time-intensive, but DHL’s adoption of smart glasses has made it a streamlined, tech-driven process. The glasses reduce errors by providing clear, step-by-step instructions and eliminate the inefficiencies of searching for items manually. With a reported 15% boost in productivity, the results speak for themselves.

 

But the benefits go beyond numbers. Employees report that the smart glasses make their jobs easier and more intuitive, leading to higher job satisfaction. This innovation is a prime example of how wearable tech can modernize traditional industries, transforming tedious tasks into efficient workflows while improving the overall employee experience.


 

 

The five examples we’ve explored showcase how wearable technology is transforming individual workplaces, but these innovations are just the beginning. As costs drop and the technology becomes more accessible, wearables are making their way into a wide range of industries, driving significant changes in how businesses operate. Here are the top sectors where wearable adoption is expected to surge:

 

 

All of this sounds amazing, right? But before you rush out to equip your team with AR glasses and biometric sensors, there are a few things to keep in mind. The EEOC recently issued guidance on wearable technology in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of balancing innovation with compliance.

 

According to the EEOC, businesses should watch out for potential risks, including:

For more details, the full EEOC report can be read here: The EEOC and Wearable Tech: Balancing Innovation and Compliance.

 

While the opportunities for wearables in the workplace are vast, it's essential to approach their implementation thoughtfully, considering both the potential benefits and the risks. Balancing innovation with compliance is key to ensuring a successful and responsible rollout.

 


At Alloy Employer Services, we’re passionate about staying informed on the many trends that employers face!   We are also dedicated to providing the very best possible workers' compensation solutions.

 

Ready to optimize your workers' compensation program? Contact Alloy Employer Services today to discover how we can help your business thrive with smarter, more effective workers' comp management. Reach out to Alloy Employment Services today!