How tech tools can make workplaces safer for women employees

Even as companies strive to keep their employees safe, violence against women continues to hinder their safety, thereby hindering their potential and professional growth. Experts believe technology advancement can further enhance physical safety for women in the workplace coupled with adequate training and support from senior leadership, can uphold women's safety in the workplace.

For example, wearable technology can send discreet emergency alerts, while artificial intelligence (AI) surveillance systems can identify potential threats. Applications designed for safe commuting can monitor travel paths, and platforms that allow for anonymous reporting facilitate the reporting of harassment incidents.

The integration of AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) into workplace safety significantly improves predictive analytics, real-time monitoring, and proactive risk management, thereby minimising accidents and enhancing overall safety, believes Poorvi Mathur, co-founder of Hera Global Tech, a startup that creates products and solutions designed for women’s safety.

The company has come up with an innovative product, ‘Autonomous’, which is a wearable device equipped with sophisticated sensors that detect high-risk scenarios and automatically inform designated contacts of the wearer’s location without requiring any manual activation.

Additionally, virtual reality technology supports self-defence training, while biometric systems enhance security for access control. Automated solutions help ensure adherence to health and safety regulations, remote work arrangements provide flexibility, panic button applications offer prompt assistance, and online platforms contribute to raising safety awareness.

Mirasys, a video analytics company based in Gurugram, India, has improved its surveillance capabilities through the use of the Intel Distribution of OpenVINO Toolkit.

A senior representative indicated that their advanced analytics can classify images based on gender and gestures, yielding valuable insights into women's safety and serving as a deterrent in workplace environments. Their solutions are implemented across a variety of industries, including manufacturing, logistics, education, and healthcare.

Deloitte's 2024 Women @ Work report indicates that nearly 50% of women feel unsafe at work and during commutes, with 10% experiencing harassment and 43% facing non-inclusive behaviours like microaggressions in the last 12 months.

The Udaiti Foundation's analysis of complaints from 700 NSE-listed firms for FY 2023-2024 shows a 29% rise in Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) complaints, from 1,807 to 2,325, urging companies to focus on POSH committees and training at the workplace.

Purnima Menon, CMO of Marlabs, adds that while POSH committees are essential, they cannot operate in isolation. “Leadership must proactively identify and mitigate potential hazards, fostering "safety-first" technologies, mandated training, and open dialogue with teams,” she said.

Nirav Hiradhar, CISO at CDSL, underscores the need to cultivate a culture of security awareness — both physical (through surveillance cameras) and cybersecurity awareness to enable employees to serve as our most effective line of defence.

As significant gaps in workplace safety and security continue to affect women professionals, organisations with effective technology and training programmes prioritising the safety and security of their employees will stand out.