Should employees be allowed to bring their own devices to work?

Bringing your own devices to work is a growing trend in the modern workplace. Technology has shaped the way we do business, whether it’s a tablet, a smartphone or a shiny laptop, the majority of modern workplaces are up to date with the most recent trends.

Now more than ever, it’s likely that employees will share this interest in new tech. What’s more, their personal laptops and phones may be faster than those used in the office, meaning they may prefer to use their own kit.

So, should employers let their staff bring their own technology into the office?

The pros

No matter the size of a company, buying the latest technology will have a huge impact on turnover – as it doesn’t come cheap. Therefore, allowing staff to bring in their own equipment allows employers to invest this money elsewhere, somewhere more beneficial.

Employees using their own devices in work will almost definitely improve productivity and employee motivation. What’s more, the flexibility is likely to encourage working outside of normal hours.

It can be good for employers to step outside of their comfort zone, especially if this concept is alien to their business. They should speak to their employees individually before agreeing to anything and listen to their case. Adopting a new mindset may be a great move for the business.

The cons

Regular use results in wear and tear, no matter what the device. Therefore, the question needs to be asked – whose responsibility is it to replace a phone or laptop if it gets damaged? This should be agreed with an employee from the outset to avoid an uncomfortable conversation later on.

Company security needs to remain the number one priority. If an employee using their personal device for work leaves the business, employers need to have an agreement in place which clearly states what happens next. For example, the employee should agree to giving IT full access to their laptop should the company need to remove them from confidential servers and company networks. This should be agreed with a HR professional in advance by having a clear policy on personal devices at work.

The main problem employers may face with this is getting their employees to agree to them being able to access their device. They may not want their boss to know some more private content.

Remember, this does not always work for every business. Employers need to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages to their business before making an informed decision. However, if all the correct procedures are in place – they may be onto a winner.

*Sean Blanks is Marketing Director of Cartridgesave.co.uk.

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