As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, health maintains its spot as a top priority around the world. With employees wondering when they’ll be able to return to the office for work ” and some already making the switch back ” it’s time for artificial intelligence (AI) to lead the way.
The pandemic coincides with a drastic increase in technology usage. Businesses and individuals rely on it now more than ever. With versatile applications and power, AI can revolutionize the health of office employees.
Streamlining the Office
Working in an office comes with many responsibilities and tasks. From scheduling meetings to cleaning conference rooms, the workplace involves countless people with various roles. The bigger the company, the more people there will be working inside ” either now or when it’s officially safe to work in person again. Artificial intelligence, which is projected to reach a value of $190.6 billion by 2025, enables powerful platforms to cover these responsibilities and keep people safe and healthy.
AI-enabled systems can take care of the basics. A system can schedule a conference room automatically for a certain date and time based on who’s in the office. When the room is free, the system can automatically notify employees that it requires cleaning and sanitation.
Platforms like IBM‘s Emerge Starter bring recovery-based initiatives to the office. Employees can use Watson or a range of IBM‘s other AI apps to transfer or access data and documents in the cloud. They can also contact AI chatbots that answer questions about COVID-19 and raise awareness of necessary protocols.
One of the most critical aspects of returning to the office is slowing the spread of the virus or any other illness. Contact tracing apps are ideal for understanding who may be at risk and keeping everyone healthy.
Maintaining Health
Contact tracing and AI scheduling must go hand-in-hand with social distancing. Throughout the pandemic, maintaining social distancing has been one of the key guidelines to follow. Now, AI is making it a more practical option in the office.
A platform like PredictMedix uses AI to screen employees and check their temperatures. DatakaLab has developed a tool that some cities and buildings are using to ensure people wear masks and wear them correctly. A tool like LandingAI can analyze the space between people and make sure they maintain adequate distance. The office can integrate these innovations to enforce social distancing as a priority.
However, it’s vital for the office to understand how the building itself can affect health. For instance, poor air quality and ventilation can worsen long-term illnesses like asthma. Again, AI is the solution for a healthier environment. Using Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, AI can track air quality and report it in real-time to mobile devices. Then, all employees can see how clean the air is and make the necessary adjustments.
Adopting Wearables
Wearable technology has transformed itself from luxury accessories into a necessity for some. Upon initial release, devices like the Fitbit and Apple Watch measured exercise and standard health factors like heart rate. However, with significant changes, these devices are now critical for monitoring overall health and certain conditions.
Newer wearable technology can now detect illnesses, which includes COVID-19. A study found that smartwatches can detect these illnesses even before symptoms show up. Participants wore Fitbits, Apple Watches and Garmin devices primarily. Though these devices are not yet FDA-approved for symptom detection, the study concluded they effectively predicted COVID-19 carriers.
Using these devices in the office will put an extra emphasis on tracking and monitoring health. The AI in certain wearables offers real-time tracking of health statuses. Some can even notify health care professionals in instances of injury or emergency.
With AI, the office can ensure everyone is taking proactive steps to maintain health, alongside social distancing, contact tracing and scheduling efforts. Each step stems from AI and keeps the workplace as healthy as possible.
The AI Office
With these AI-based innovations in place, working at the office takes on new life. Responsibilities become smoother and more efficient while employees keep themselves and others safe. This technology can protect people from contracting or spreading the virus and limit infections of all kinds. Overall, public health will thrive.
