The pace of BYOD
The digital age has impacted almost every aspect of our lives. Work is no exception. Business relies on efficient connectivity, flexibility and mobility of IT systems and data accessibility. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that the practice of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) has skyrocketed in the past 5 years. Employees using their own smartphone, tablet or laptop at work and for work is now the norm. Since enterprise activity is technology-driven, BYOD makes sense: having at hand the gadgets we use and know.
In a survey conducted by Logicalis, a UK ICT company, approximately 75% of employees in accelerated growth markets such as Brazil bring their own devices to work. In developing countries that number currently stands at 44% and growing. Closer to home, ZDNet, a CBS business technology news website, confirms that three-quarters of UK businesses permit, or plan to permit, BYOD. It also stated that BYOD is more popular in small organisations since larger companies have concerns over security.
So what is it that makes BYOD so attractive? After all, why shouldn’t an employer provide the technology that staff need to conduct business operations? In this article, you will consider four factors that have led to employees embracing BYOD without reservation: familiarity, convenience, productivity and contentment.
Technology that is familiar
We all feel comfortable when using a technology that we know. Apple users, think about the frustrating times when you’ve had to work using an Android smartphone or Microsoft PC. The same applies to PC fans who find Apple’s design flashy and narcissistic. Anyway, whichever side you’re on, the fact remains that familiarity with the technology we use is critical to effective working. Whether it is the operating system, ease of use, web browsing functionality or availability of apps that drive individuals to use a familiar device is neither here nor there. What is important is that we work best using the technologies that we are accustomed to.
Technology that is convenient
Smartphones are powerful devices. Nowadays we can use them to carry out numerous business activities including sending and replying to emails, accessing the company database and completing financial transactions. SMBs (small to medium-size businesses) have been providing their employees with mobile phones for business use for at least a decade. What this meant is that employees have had to carry two phones, one personal and the other assigned to work. This communication duality is annoying, to say the least. Monitoring, charging and taking care of a single phone is a task in itself, not to mention two devices.
SMBs expect many employees to be connected 24/7, particularly in a digital world that is entrepreneurial and competitive. This around the clock availability has resulted in employees having a choice as to whether they would prefer to carry only one phone, their own. This would enable them to be reachable by friends and family while still being accessible to colleagues, management and clients.
Most companies now apply BYOD in the realm of mobile phones, providing that the devices are secure and monitored using RMM (Remote Monitoring and management software. Executives also expect all staff to adhere to BYOD policy that includes actions plans in the event of device theft or loss. Besides being able to use familiar technology, employees often see financial benefits since a company may share the cost of a BYOD device.
Increased productivity
Following on from convenience is an increase in productivity. Using devices that they feel at ease with enables employees to work more efficiently. Also, fewer devices means fewer distractions which equates to less time wasted. Anybody in business knows that saving time increase productivity and, by extension, profitability.
Employee satisfaction
Going back to the Mac versus PC saga, it’s clear that people like what they like. Employees feel content when they can use the devices they prefer for work purposes. High employee morale is essential for any SMB, particularly when skilled workers can be difficult to find and retain. Happy employees work harder and are more productive. When your staff has the liberty of BYOD, they will be satisfied, loyal and go the extra mile for your enterprise.
BYOD is a win-win
By using their own technology at work, employees do more in less time. This is clearly a win-win scenario: your team feels good about their accomplishments and, as an SMB owner, you witness enhanced output. Providing you implement appropriate security measures, your business can’t lose with BYOD.
