In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing employee safety became a critical focus for companies aiming to sustain productivity while safeguarding their workforce. However, a concerning decline in employee confidence regarding their employer’s commitment to their safety has been observed.
A Gallup poll in 2020 reported that 49% of employees strongly believed in their employers’ care for their well-being, a statistic that has drastically fallen to a mere 24% presently.
This dramatic decrease holds profound implications for both employee safety and business impact. Research has shown that employees who perceive their employers as caring for their well-being exhibit various positive outcomes:
- They are 69% less likely to seek new job opportunities.
- They are three times more likely to be engaged in their work.
- They experience 71% less burnout.
- They are five times more likely to trust leadership and advocate for their companies.
Leveraging Telecom Technology to Enhance Employee Safety
Taking measures to ensure employee safety leads to a healthier and happier workforce and significantly improves overall business outcomes.
Telecom technology emerges as a cost-effective yet powerful solution to bolster workplace safety. Specifically, Enhanced 911 (E911) services stand out as a game-changer. Let’s explore this within the context of real-world scenarios.
Modern Mobility Challenges
With the transition from traditional copper lines to VoIP, cloud-based phone systems, and mobile devices, the fixed association of business numbers with specific addresses in 911 databases became obsolete.
For instance, an employee using a mobile phone might dial 911 from various locations, confusing emergency responders dispatched to the company’s primary location. This delay wastes crucial time during emergencies.
Example: Imagine an employee working remotely who encounters a medical emergency. When they dial 911, responders are initially directed to their employer’s office address, causing a delay in reaching the actual emergency site.
RAY BAUM’s Act
This federal regulation addresses the challenges posed by non-fixed devices and a mobile workforce. It mandates accurate reporting of caller locations, including precise identifiers like street address, building, floor, and room number during 911 calls.
Example: Consider a company using VoIP systems where employees can make calls from various locations. Compliance with RAY BAUM’s Act ensures that when an employee dials 911, responders are immediately directed to their precise location, reducing response time during emergencies.
E911 Solutions
Platforms like RedSky by Everbridge and 911 Inform streamline the process by prompting users to update their addresses upon login. In case of an emergency call, these systems automatically relay accurate location information to the nearest PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point), enabling rapid response.
Example: An employee using a softphone for work purposes experiences a sudden health crisis while away from their usual workplace. E911 services ensure that emergency services are directed to their precise location, regardless of where they work.
NG911 – Next Generation 911
This emerging technology goes beyond E911, notifying designated parties like security teams, managers, or supervisors when an emergency call occurs. It integrates with security systems, activates cameras, and allows remote lockdowns, enhancing response capabilities during crises.
Example: During an emergency, NG911 sends notifications to security teams, enabling them to access live camera feeds from the site and take necessary actions, ensuring employee safety until emergency services arrive.
Mass Notifications
These facilitate quick dissemination of critical safety information to employees through voice calls, texts, emails, and social media, ensuring everyone receives crucial safety instructions.
Example: In the event of a natural disaster or active shooter situation, mass notifications can guide employees on safety protocols, including shelter locations and evacuation routes, minimizing chaos and ensuring a coordinated response.
Automated Compliance & Identity Protection
Telecom systems automate compliance with regulations like HIPAA, PCI, and CMS Medicare call recording, safeguarding sensitive data. They also protect employee identities when using personal devices for work.
Example: By automatically securing sensitive information and concealing personal details on Caller IDs, telecom systems ensure compliance with regulations and shield employees from potential risks like identity theft or harassment.
Conclusion:
By implementing these telecom technology innovations, businesses can reinforce employee safety, fortify their operational resilience, and foster a culture of trust and security within their workforce. As companies strive to overcome the challenges exposed by the pandemic, prioritizing employee safety through technological innovations becomes a critical step toward future success.
Various solutions in the market cater to different business needs and budgets, making it possible for all organizations to enhance their safety standards and protect their most valuable asset – their employees.
At Cady Business Technologies, we help small and medium-sized businesses navigate workplace safety by leveraging telecom technology. Contact us to explore our solutions and take the first step towards a safer, more resilient workplace.
Let’s work together to create a safer future for your employees! Your investment will pay off not only in terms of legal compliance but also by building a solid and loyal workforce that drives success for your business.
FAQs
Q: Are there any additional costs associated with implementing E911 services?
A: Yes, there may be some initial setup and ongoing maintenance fees, but the cost is minimal compared to the benefits of enhanced safety and compliance.
Q: Can businesses customize NG911 to fit their specific needs?
A: Yes, NG911 can be tailored to meet the unique safety requirements of each organization.
Q: Are there any measures in place to prevent false emergency calls from triggering a response?
A: Yes, E911 systems have safeguards in place to verify emergency calls and reduce the chances of false alarms. NG911 also allows designated parties to confirm an emergency before initiating a response.
Q: Can businesses use mass notifications for non-emergency purposes?
A: Absolutely, mass notifications can be used for various purposes, including company-wide updates and announcements. However, having a clear communication policy in place is crucial to avoid overloading employees with non-emergency messages. Overall, the use of mass notifications is determined by each organization’s needs and priorities.
Q: How can businesses ensure compliance with regulations like HIPAA or PCI through telecom technology?
A: Telecom technology systems offer various features like call recording and secure Caller ID masking, ensuring compliance with regulations safeguarding sensitive data. Choosing a telecom provider that provides solutions tailored to specific regulatory requirements is essential.
Q: Is any training required for employees to use these telecom innovations?
A: While some solutions may require initial training, most of the technologies mentioned in this document are user-friendly and easy to use. Telecom providers also offer customer support and training resources to ensure a smooth implementation process.
Q: Are these telecom technology solutions only applicable to office-based employees?
A: No, these innovations can benefit all types of workers, including remote and field employees. E911 services, in particular, can provide accurate location information for employees working from different locations. Overall, these technologies can enhance employee safety regardless of the workplace setting.
Q: Can businesses integrate these emergency response plans with their existing telecom technology systems?
A: Most telecom providers can integrate their solutions with existing emergency response plans. This integration ensures a more seamless and efficient response during emergencies. It is recommended for businesses to discuss this option with their telecom provider to determine compatibility and potential benefits.
Cady Business Technologies is proud to be a Mitel Gold Partner.
Our strong relationship with Mitel over many years allows us to offer the reliability and expertise your Mitel solution requires.
Contact us today to help create a plan that will support your business needs and budget.
