Wearable Biosensors in the Workplace: Perceptions and Perspectives

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Bioethics

Background:

• Wearable sensors are expanding into consumer and workplace markets for health and productivity.
• Real-time physiologic monitoring raises ethical questions on data privacy, ownership, and health disclosures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore employer and employee perspectives on ethical considerations of workplace sensor use.
• To identify areas of agreement and disagreement on biosensor implementation in various industries.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed to employers (Implementers) and employees (Users) across diverse industries in British Columbia, Canada.
• 344 survey responses were collected and analyzed to compare viewpoints.

Main Results:

• Significant convergence was found between employers and employees on perceived benefits, concerns, safety, privacy, and data sharing related to workplace biosensors.
• The greatest divergence in opinion was observed regarding data ownership.

Conclusions:

• Shared perspectives between employers and employees on biosensor use indicate mutual interest and responsibility.
• Transparency regarding practical and ethical factors is crucial for continued solidarity as sensor adoption increases.