BYOD, or "bring your own device," is an option for some workplaces, as it gives workers and employers independence. This means employees will bring their own laptops, tablets, smartphones, and other efficiency and communication tools for professional activities in their workplaces.
Although it is much appreciated by some, it tends to come with many drawbacks and must be dealt with particular caution. In this article, we look at how business owners embrace the idea, pros, and disadvantages.
Read on to learn some pros and cons to workers bringing their own devices to workplaces.
Pro: BYOD Brings Productivity for Workers
Frequent users of Apple products are capable of using Apple technology, while authentic users of Windows products are more capable of using Windows operating systems.
This can be a problem for workers who need to adapt to a new operating system at work. A BYOD policy allows workers to use the tools that give them maximum convenience and improve their productivity.
It increases your employees' happiness and satisfaction and boosts productivity by allowing employees to use devices that they are familiar with and comfortable with.
Pro: Employers Can Save Money
A BYOD policy can be an efficient way for businesses to save money by removing the need for individual workers to purchase different devices – especially if they are devices that users don't want.
Employers are saving money that they will need to spend on equipping their workers.
Their savings include those made on the employees' purchasing of computers, the maintenance of these devices, mobile plans (for voice and internet services), among other issues.
Con: Threat to Data Security
Using BYOD organizational policies will increase the risk of data breaches, as individual workers are unlikely to have the same degree of IT security protection on their personal devices as a large corporation would.
This disparity can make the protection of valuable customer data and other information related to business difficult.
Interestingly, wearables, which are gaining popularity, are often the weakest links when it comes to protection, which places additional strain on the departments of IT and Facility Management to protect such devices effectively.
By offering employees the freedom to access company data from their personal device, when they leave the company, there is a chance that an employee could walk away with significant amounts of company data on their own device.
Con: Issue of Liability
When it comes to blurring the distinction between work equipment and personal devices, the question arises as to who is liable for repair costs. Who will pay for a new computer if something goes wrong with it or if it is stolen during working hours?
What if someone uses the device (or claims to use it) for work-related tasks outside working hours, and something goes wrong? Those are issues that need to be carefully considered before introducing the BYOD system in your business.
Many workers are reluctant to bring their devices to work because they feel they'll be exploited by the employer.
Many workers may be claiming a wear and tear refund, and would instead "rent" the device to the boss by using it for his work at his premises. This causes the business to lose BYOD's financial advantage.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of BYOD
Photo credit: sociable.coTo minimize the possible risks that could arise from introducing a BYOD system, a policy should be placed in advance, outlining the intended and appropriate usage of personal devices in the workplace (instead of those provided by the company).
Therefore, it is the employee's responsibility to ensure that before committing to them, he or she thoroughly understands the program's policies.
Conclusion
A well-thought-out BYOD policy and properly informed employees are essential in ensuring the program's success in a work environment.
