An analysis by Gartner predicts that half of employers will require their staff to bring their own device or computer to work by 2017. And according to a report by Markets and Markets, the bring your own device market (BYOD) will be worth $284.70 billion by 2019. This rapidly evolving industry has grown from permitting employers to use their gadgets to becoming a requirement among many companies. But do the pros to bring your own device to work outweigh the cons? Find out here:
Pro: Employee Satisfaction & Ease
Workplaces tend to see an influx of productivity and innovation when employees are allowed to use their personal devices and computers for work. IBM reported that 83 percent of users valued their mobile device over a morning cup of coffee.
Employees can generally set up their own devices for work without much hassle—after all, they’re already experts at using their own tools. This keeps them more focused on work and frees up time spent waiting for the IT department. For example, Apple boasts an intuitive and easy set up, making it simple for employees to navigate their own smartphones, tablets and laptops. Management can set-up simple apps and procedures to protect data and personal information while employees can still access the device for personal use.
Con: Security Risks
Both employers and employees need to consider what type of access the other has on personal devices brought into the workplace. Employers need to protect their corporate data and sensitive information. Meanwhile, employees want to ensure their personal information on their device can’t be accessed or read by their boss.
Using a system such as Good for Enterprise can help solve security issues with mobile collaboration. Employers and device owners alike can set-up accounts with Mozy to instantly backup their computer and devices to easily restore in case of an emergency. Individual files and documents can be restored from anywhere there’s an Internet connection, or the entire device can be restored as needed.
Pro: Cost Savings
With a BYOD policy in place, employers can avoid purchasing hundreds to thousands of computers and devices. This also helps combat future costs of updating and replacing devices or computers that are out of date or are damaged. Just how much can companies save? According to a study by Cisco, companies save upwards of $3,150 per employee every year with a comprehensive BYOD program.
Employees can also put money back in their pocket by bringing their own devices and computers. Many businesses offer a stipend or subsidy to cover data plans, hardware and other software. A BYOD employee receives an average of $70 a month, or $849 a year, to cover part of their wireless bill and data usage needs.
Con: Expense for Employees
Despite some of the potential savings, there are also BYOD expenses to consider. Some companies are doing away with subsidies or require hardware and software updates at the employee’s expense. And because the company doesn’t own the device or computer, they probably won’t offer to pay for it either.
Employers hoping to decline reimbursements and do away with stipends may have a legal battle ahead. The state of California ruled that if employees have to use their devices for work, then they must be reimbursed a reasonable amount. While this could cost the company roughly $849 per employee as discussed previously, they’re still likely saving in the long run. After all, bringing your own device means companies never have to order another smartphone for their employees again.
