The way information is digitally transferred has transformed the way we conduct business and BYOD appears to be the norm in many offices today.
Increased employee productivity, cost savings and the lure of new hires are just some of the many advantages that come with BYOD.
In recent years, companies have rightly implemented Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies, knowing that its employees are heavily dependent on their personal smartphones, tablets and even notebooks. Such policies allow employees to access confidential company documents and communications instead of bogging them with a second, and at times, dated smartphone.
In 2014, analyst firm IDC forecasts that BYOD policies will account for 22.5% of smartphone sales, proving that there is no good reason to sit on the fence when it comes to BYOD. If you need more convincing, here are 5 reasons why you should make the leap:
1. Cost, or the lack of it a BYOD policy
Having a BYOD policy means your employees are bringing their own gadgets, usually paid for by themselves. While some companies do partially subsidise the purchase for employees, it is only a fraction of the amount spent to fully sponsor a company-approved unit.
There is also the hiring cost of IT personnel to provide support when devices need to access the company network, which is minimal compared to a full-fledged infrastructure.
2. Better security control
These days, most smartphone makers have focused its efforts on data security and encryption within devices.
Two of the biggest smartphone vendors, Apple and Samsung, have implemented data encryption within their devices, allowing companies’ IT departments to ensure no external parties can access confidential documents. Plus, employees have widely adopted iPhones, which has led to companies such as Ingram Micro adopting a BYOD policy built specifically for the platform.
3. Flexibility and better productivity
A device that can access the company’s internal system 24/7 means an employee can work anywhere and anytime. No more arduous journeys back to the office, only to realise that you’ve left your employee pass (and key) back home. Plus, the flexibility of working on the move means queries and proposals can be sent through internal apps with immediacy.
The barriers preventing an employee from working beyond the office are effectively removed. However, employers need to know and not cross the fine line for work-life balance.
4. Familiarity with personal devices
Remember, your employees chose to bring these devices. They have done their research, had a hands-on with these phones and have a wide range of online articles to guide them through the features of the device.
Being so familiar with these devices means they are able to work efficiently on their personal smartphones or tablets without turning to the helpdesk on a daily basis. Plus, the freedom to upgrade their devices on their own could potentially speed up the workflow.
5. Employee satisfaction
Letting employees use their personal systems is a reward on its own. Instead of feeling chained to a workstation that does not belong to them, workers now have a vested interest in maintaining and using a smartphone that also lets them surf the web or check their friend’s latest Facebook status.
Besides creating a satisfied employee, a robust BYOD policy also makes a company more attractive to prospective hires.
