What is the Internet of Things?

The Internet has been a staple in our society for decades now. In fact, 4.57 billion people, about 59% of the global population, are regular Internet users. Company websites are a given, branded apps are becoming the norm, and some companies even exist entirely online. 

Of course, in this technological day and age, nothing stays the same for very long. There’s always growth, progression, and innovation. And within the past couple years, this has led to the growth of the Internet of Things.

What is the Internet of Things?

The Internet of Things is, essentially, everyday “things” that are connected to the Internet via sensors, software, and the like. Powered by this technology, these things can be controlled wirelessly, over the Internet.

For consumers, examples of common objects in the Internet of Things include smart speakers, lights, door locks, thermostats, and appliances, all of which are often able to be controlled through an app on a smartphone.

But the Internet of Things goes beyond residential application. From the healthcare industry, to the transportation industry,  to manufacturing, to office automation, the Internet of Things is starting to become commonplace on a widespread scale. 

The Internet of Things and tech staffing

The Internet of Things seems like a natural progression on the road to a high-tech, connected world. But since it’s a big shift in the professional world, it’s going to cause shifts in the world of staffing as well. 

For example, certain skills will be seen as increasingly valuable, such as:

• Network design
• Circuit design
• Database management
• Machine learning
• Sensor data analysis
• UX/UI design
• Machine learning
• AI expertise and engineering
• Cybersecurity

The Internet of Things and cybersecurity

Let’s zero in on that last one for a minute. Cybersecurity is a major concern when it comes to the Internet of Things. After all, if something is connected to a network, it can technically be hacked, potentially leading to data being compromised. This makes cybersecurity increasingly important, and a valuable skill for any team member to have.

In fact, a workforce study done in 2019 concluded that the cybersecurity workforce needs to grow by 62% in order to meet the demands of businesses in the United States today. 

The Internet of Things will also affect how work is done

Additionally, the Internet of Things is poised to change what day-to-day office operations look like, as it can automate processes and optimize for productivity through the use of smart technology and mobile devices, including wearables. This means that aspects of the hiring process and other HR-related tasks will likely be affected, including:

• Interviews
• Candidate screening
• Recruiting strategies
• Timesheet tracking
• Performance tracking and reviews
• Payroll processes
• Improved office communication

As the Internet of Things becomes more widespread and more prevalent in our homes and offices, professionals who are able to develop and maintain the technology will be in higher demand than ever before. As leaders in the staffing field, EDI Staffing can help companies stay on top of these new trends by finding and hiring top talent. Call us today to see how we can help you build your dream team.