Here we go again.

Just a few years ago, HR and business leaders were challenged with creating effective BYOD policies to leverage the power and workplace flexibility that mobile technologies afford. Now, it’s wearable technology’s turn to change the game.

Whether it’s the Apple Watch, Google Glass or a Fitbit, more and more of your employees are becoming reliant on wearable tech. But while adoption rate predictions vary, it won’t be long before you see this technology playing an increasing role in your workplace.

So once again, your HR policy needs to stay ahead of the game. Use these tips to create a wearable technology policy that ensures productivity stays high, while keeping both your employees and your company safe:

Think forward.

Assemble key department leaders and the IT department to brainstorm the potential applications for wearable technology within your business. For example, a product like Google Glass might be able to help an employee view step-by-step instructions (for handling anything from a repair to a customer complaint) right in front of him, without needing to be in front of a computer.

Be mindful of security issues.

Along with all of the amazing ways wearable tech could improve your business, consider the potential pitfalls as well. Employees may, for instance, need to store sensitive documents or protected information on their wearable devices. When you need to terminate someone, how do you ensure that data isn’t compromised? Make sure your WYOD policy addresses these and other concerns related to any valuable intellectual property:

1. Provide emergency plans, so employees know what to do if their equipment is lost, stolen, hacked or damaged.
2. Proactively address issues related to the collection of electronically stored information. Be sure to include: restrictions on cloud-based storage; rules for collecting and storing personal information (such as images of other employees); and restrictions for syncing company-issued wearable devices with other devices in employees’ homes.

Include potential safety concerns.

What would happen if an employee wearing a company-issued wearable tech device became distracted and either caused an accident or injured himself? What would happen if a wearable produced adverse health effects in an employee? Be sure to:

• Provide comprehensive training to employees using wearables.
• Create policies that take into account the potential for accidents, injuries and other health issues.

As wearable tech adoption increases within your workplace, commit to regularly reviewing and updating your company policies. A proactive approach will help protect your organization, while still allowing you to leverage the productivity and performance advantages wearable technology offers.

Your workplace is changing. Exact Staff’s solutions keep pace.

Factors like technology, demographics and the economy continually transform HR’s role. Exact Staff is here to help you keep pace. Together, we can develop a staffing strategy to address your top priorities – and ensure flexible, cost-effective access to the talented people you need. Contact our staffing services today.