To BYOD or not to BYOD; that is the question.
Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of bringing your own device
Or to take arms against this rising fad
And by opposing end it?
You do not have to be Shakespeare to see how the bring your own device (BYOD) phenomenon has taken the workplace by storm. It comes as no surprise that the trend that started in 2010 was quickly picked up by many companies, believing that having employees use their own devices at work will make the happier and more productive. However, according to the CompTIA survey held in April and May of this year, companies are starting to move away from the fad. 53% of the 375 companies surveyed does not allow BYOD.
Is your enterprise in the BYOD bandwagon? If so, then you might want to reconsider. If not, then you’re on the right track, for the following reasons:
-
Security risks. Unless managed properly, BYOD can introduce significant risks to the security of sensitive company and even personal information. IT has less control over personal devices used by employees, so the employees themselves need to secure their gadgets. Otherwise, the devices can be banned from the facility, resulting in resentment and productivity drain.
Although there are many mobile device management programs a company can use, employees might have hesitations granting IT permission to put restrictions on their own devices, which might lead to loss of important data.
-
Decreased productivity. Although BYOD enthusiasts claim to be productive by using their own devices at work, consumer devices can hurt productivity too. While boring company-issued devices are straightforward (therefore, bland), employee-owned gadgets have applications for watching videos, playing games and updating social networks – activities that can interfere with work.
-
Increased overhead costs. A company buying devices for their employees can save a lot through bulk buying. If BYOD is implemented, then the company might end up paying more for individual call and data plans if the employees would reimburse these on the company’s expense.
The use of BYOD might also require the company to make changes on the infrastructure in order to accommodate the number of personal devices employees use. It might also pose a problem on the bandwidth of the company.
-
IT headaches. Although many BYOD policies encourage employees to support their own devices, IT will still be the first department staff will reach out to when their equipment encounter issues. It would also have to update its list of software including mobile protection, access control and mobile device management.
-
Legal issues. The use of personal devices at work can raise many concerns for employers, such as employee privacy, theft, and liability for employee misconduct.
Shifting to BYOD also requires updated licensing for all devices which might add up on costs too.
Consumer technology has invaded many businesses as a result of their ease of use, making wok convenient for employees. However, there are many risks involved, which the company might not be able to address on a big scale. The solution: corporate-issued devices.
AbeTech offers simple and easy devices that allow your employees to get the work done without the added risk. Learn more by calling us 763.428.5937 or 1.866.226.3848 or visiting AbeTech.com.
