Have you observed the changes in our workplaces in the last few years? Amazingly organizations introduce different policies to ensure work efficiency in the workplace.
Many organizations work on BYOD (Bring your own device) policy. We are here to help you to understand the pros and cons of the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy.
Firstly, we must understand the true meaning of the BYOD policy and how different organizations practice this policy. So, let’s get into it.
This article includes the following:
What is BYOD?
BYOD is an abbreviation of “bring your own device.” It is a policy when an organization lets its employees bring their own devices to work at the workplace.
An organization could save money by using the BYOD policy. Overall, it looks like an excellent idea. However, when we get deeper in, we realize this policy has several pros and cons.
The Pros
Cost-effective
The significant advantage of this policy is cost-effectiveness. When employees bring their own devices, companies don’t need to provide them with the devices to work.
Otherwise, a company spends money in the following ways.
- Purchase devices for each staff member to work.
- Update the devices when required.
- Maintenance cost of devices.
BYOD policy eliminates all the above-mentioned costs. Large organizations can buy and maintain these devices for a few employees.
Well, small organizations also use this policy to manage their budget. BYOD policy eliminates many indirect costs, and organizations can manage their budget effectively.
Less Training Requirements
All the employees are already familiar with their personal devices. Companies don’t need to hire an IT support team to facilitate the employees.
Amazingly, employees can save training time and focus on their actual daily targets. So employees can work efficiently.
Although it only partially eliminates the training requirements, additional training about the introduction and specification of devices is optional.
Up-to-date Devices
Well, employees usually take more care of their devices. They check and maintain them on time. Also, employees get the most recent technology for personal and professional use.
It is difficult for a company to replace all the devices when a new technology arrives in the market. However, employees prefer up-to-date devices for them.
The new, updated technology is faster, more efficient, and more modern. It helps the employees to fulfill the work requirements more efficiently.
Increase Morale
Don’t you enjoy working on your own devices? Yes, this is why employees’ work efficiency increases when they work on their personal devices.
Research has proved that employees look happy with their own devices at work. It boosts their morale. Hence, employees look more satisfied and happy at the workplace.
Productivity
BYOD policy lets the employees work on devices that are their personal choice. Employees may bring an Apple device or android. Personal devices help them work conveniently.
Employees are also well familiar with their devices. So they can access the information easily from the concerned folders. Easy, faster, and efficient operations through personal devices boost employees’ productivity.
The Cons
Distraction
Having your personal device leads to many distractions. It takes employees’ focus away from their tasks. The following things can be the cause of distractions:
- Employees personal notification
- Mismanagement of personal and work-related information
- Calls and messages
- Games and extra browsing
All the things mentioned above are usually restricted to use on office devices. However, employers can’t restrict apps on employees’ personal devices.
Well, you can track employees’ activities to access the non-productive activities. You can also track the time spent on work-related apps and software. It will help you to manage and dictate employees’ actions at the workplace.
Integration Issues
Many complexities develop due to the diversity of devices in the workplace. When every employee owns a different device, it is hard to integrate.
Every device may not support a single software. These things affect integration in the workplace.
It is time-consuming to assess whether a device supports particular software or not. All these factors cause inefficiency and work anxiety in employees.
Compromise Data Security
A company’s confidential data is at risk when they follow BYOD policy. It is hard to control the flow of private information on employees’ devices. You can’t wash private details each time.
Sometimes employees also feel insecure about their personal data. Seamless integration and collaboration give easy access to employees’ data. Hence, it is risky for both parties. We recommend classifying and handling data appropriately to secure it.
Legal Issues
BYOD policy leads to a complex system. Many times employees do activities like:
- Unnecessary data sharing
- Deleting
- Retaining
- Accessing
New employees are not aware of the limitations of the BYOD policy. So they mishandle the company’s data. All these things lead to legal issues.
We suggest proper training of employees about data security concerns. Secondly, implement an appropriate system to indicate unusual activity.
Final Words
BYOD policy is a beneficial decision in some ways. However, it has some disadvantages that can seriously damage your company’s culture. Must study the pros and cons of the BYOD policy before implementing it.
Related Articles:
