When organizations begin the process of rolling out Proxxi, a question they often ask is “how can I ensure my people will use the wristbands?”

This question is an incredibly important one, as the success of rolling out Proxxi Voltage (or any other new process or technology) is greatly dependent upon user engagement and cooperation. 

Employee engagement defines the success of any deployment. By taking the time to acknowledge potential sticking points and plan for them, you will help ensure the success of the rollout. 

What Can Hinder Employee Engagement?

Although research has not been conducted on the obstacles of wearable safety technology, the data gathered about wearable sensors (such as activity or fitness trackers) aligns with the anecdotal evidence we have heard when speaking with managers. 

Some of the barriers to compliance with wearables in the workplace include:

• Perceived cost/benefit of the devices

• Concerns about data privacy or confidentiality

• Employees wearing the devices as trained

• Durability of the wearable technology

Now that the concerns are identified, we can begin to look at the ways to handle these potential obstacles that you may face. 

Cost/Benefit of Wearables: Explain the “Why”

The first step in compliance with a new process is being aware of the new process. Taking the time to let your teams know that you are rolling out something and why you are doing so will lay the groundwork for a successful implementation.

With Proxxi Voltage, one obstacle that is commonly identified by our customers is employees who feel that they are well trained enough to not need additional safety equipment. They view Voltage as unnecessary, as a nuisance, or as an insult to their skills. This is a matter of cost/benefit analysis, and the worker sees the cost of the device as greater than the benefit. 

Proxxi Voltage is intended to keep workers safe and to protect them from electrical risks. Emphasizing the benefit to them, and the overall goal for creating a safer workplace will help employees know that their well being is being valued and that their organization cares. No one likes to have their skills questioned; by highlighting that the Proxxi Voltage is in part being used to protect workers from unexpected changes in their work, it helps the wearer to accept the introduction of the wristband as a tool as opposed to a crutch. For those who are resistant because they feel they don't “need” wearable safety, this can make the benefit of the wristband greater than the cost.

Everyone is motivated by different things, however. If someone is not motivated by the idea of increased safety and protection, identifying a different motivator may be the way to help ensure that they use the wristband and stay safe. 

Proxxi tip: Extrinsic motivation lead to limited engagement, because if the tangible reward is no longer being received, the employee loses motivation to engage. Try to find intrinsic motivators to encourage long-term engagement.

Privacy and Confidentiality: Be Transparent

When discussing the rollout of Proxxi Voltage, a lot of managers bring up the fact that their employees are likely to be concerned about being tracked and monitored via the wristbands. As this is the number one obstacle to use of sensors/monitors in the workplace, it is likely to come up in most organizations. Preparing for this obstacle will make it easier to handle when it does get brought up. 

An important point to speak to your team about is that Proxxi Voltage is a wearable electricity sensor, not a tracking device. It records interactions with energy fields, as well as what settings are engaged on the wristband. It does not capture location, and does not contain a GPS unit.

Additionally, the Proxxi Voltage Wristband itself does not record or share any personally identifiable information about the wearers or their organization. During app login, the wristband wearers have the option to use different types of identifiers. This allows them to choose what information is used within the Proxxi System. Any data provided to Proxxi is only visible from the Proxxi Voltage Dashboard, which can only be accessed by authorized Dashboard Managers using their login credentials.

Proxxi tip: Show your employees the Dashboard. If they see what is being recorded and displayed, this will help mitigate concerns about what information is being tracked.

Training: Can’t Have Trust Without Knowledge

Proxxi Voltage helps save lives. However, if workers don’t know how to use it, they won’t trust it to do so, and then won’t engage with it. To help ensure your team is comfortable and confident with the product, we offer a wide variety of ways to onboard your team. You can choose from a variety of different options, including live onboarding sessions, on-site training, and 24/7 available online materials.

Proxxi tip: Make sure employees know where to find online information on using the wristbands and mobile app. These materials can help answer their questions in the moment, and provide them with autonomy over their equipment. 

Durability: Put it to the Test

Those interacting with electricity are often performing physical, strenuous work, and sometimes in less-than-ideal conditions. With this in mind, Proxxi Voltage was designed to survive tough conditions. The sensor is waterproof and the wireless charging design helps prevent damage. The wristband is made to be quick-release, but the materials are tough and withstand heavy use.

The 4-part system (sensor, strap, charging cradle, and cord) are all individually replaceable, meaning that if the wristband’s strap is damaged, the sensor can be clipped into a new strap. Additionally, Proxxi Voltage comes with a one year warranty, but if that is not enough, hardware subscription options are available to ensure replacement and upgrades over time. 

Proxxi tip: Having spare parts on-hand can help decrease the down-time if something should become damaged or get lost.

Going the Extra Mile: Identify a Champion 

Having a colleague encourage people to use a new system is very different from having a manager tell them to. Identifying people in your organization who would be good champions for Proxxi Voltage can help drive a more favorable rollout. Champions are likely to have a good rapport with their colleagues, meaning that employees are more likely to speak with them if they have questions or concerns. 

Proxxi tip: Champions don’t have to be workers who are just going to say yes - it’s even better if they are people who are curious to understand the benefits and limitations of the equipment. That way, they are able to help you identify best practices.

Safety is important, and taking the opportunity to increase your organization's safety through tools like Proxxi Voltage will ultimately benefit both employees and the organization. But before a tool can be useful, it has to be used. Preparing for obstacles before they arise will help ensure a seamless deployment and enthusiastic engagement from your teams.