#NextChat Recap: BYOD - Managing Devices for A Mobile Workforce

Smart phones, mobile sites and business applications continue to impact the way employees use technology at work. Many organizations are shifting away from company-issued devices and adopting BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies, which allow employees to use the mobile technology they’re most familiar with. There's a lot of buzz around the benefits of BYOD in an increasingly mobile workforce, but little discussion around the policies needed to establish rules and guidelines for usage.

On March 7, #Nextchat invited special guest Kyle Lagunas (@KyleLagunas) to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of BYOD policies in the workplace.

Here are some highlights from the questions:

1. Does your organization have an official mobile device management strategy? Why/not?

@Softwareadvice: Doesn't have an official policy, but that's because we don't have many people working outside of the office.

2. What concerns you most about employees using personal devices for work purposes?

@1SHRMScribe: From what weve reported, security is a real concern when it comes to PPL using their own equipment.

@KyleLagunas: I'd say more people have more questions than concerns. What if someone loses their phone on company business? Who pays for it?

@CareerBliss: The biggest concern for us would be distraction and confidentiality.

@KyleLagunas: I hear that a lot re: Distraction. Studies show a little distraction is good for productivity.

@KnowMyHire: We deal with a gazillion people's identities. It would be catastrophic to lose those just for the convenience.

@RandstadUSPros: Less and less data lives on the device - better cloud security helps qualm fears about security and personal mobile devices.

3. Who should cover service or hardware expenses: The employees or the organization?

@KyleLagunas: No black/white here. Most EEs already have a device. If org only pays % of service chrgs, better than nothing!

@KyleLagunas: At the same time, if I lose my phone while travelling on company business, I'm going to look to my emp to replace. thoughts?

4. How does your organization foster and enforce best practices?

@Softwareadvice: BYOD just happens here. People know what devices work best for them, and we're totally in the cloud. They plug n play!

@KyleLagunas: Fact: Everyone is already using their own devices in one way or another. Up to leadership to make the most of this.

@Softwareadvice: Absolutely. We count our blessings there! BYOD is already happening, and orgs need to promote best practices w policy.

5. What do you see as the greatest benefit to a BYOD policy?

@Softwareadvice: Peace of mind, for starters. Clear guidelines for use, supported by leadership and understood by EEs saves headaches.

@KyleLagunas: BYOD doesn't just police--it promotes! Your people have smart phones. Harness that power! Mobility=increased flexibility=<3

@IOSTijuana: Personalization. Familiarity with one’s own devices makes employees happy. Obviously it lowers IT cost for company.

@KyleLagunas: I definitely agree. Can't imagine someone trying to force me to learn company-owned #blackberry. love my #iphone!

@KnowMyHire: We work 24/7. The flexibility would be beneficial. We are keeping a watchful eye on the waters before jumping in the pool.

Let us know YOUR thoughts!

Join us for #NextChat on Wednesday, March 21 at 3:00 p.m. ET with special guest Aliah Wright (@1SHRMScribe).

The SHRM Blog does not accept solicitation for guest posts.
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