Technology in the workplace has reached a crossroads in which the combination of bring your own device (BYOD) policies, our attachment to our smartphones, and an emphasis on always being available has left us more distracted than focused and efficient. But how can you run a business today without technology – particularly without smart phones? To most professionals, the idea sounds ludicrous.
What if we could take a step back and assess what devices we really need to run a business? Maybe we need cell phones and not smartphones, or laptops but not tablets.
If you’re not sure where to start in the midst of all these choices, here are 3 considerations that can inform your tech choices and help you craft an office culture that’s connected – but not too connected.
The Smartphone Advantage
Most businesses today have embraced the smartphone – almost every employee already has one and they help maintain open lines of communication, no matter the location. This is especially valuable if your employees work remotely or travel a lot. No matter where everyone is, you’ll likely be able to reach them.
What’s more, with the variety of apps available on smartphones today, employees can accomplish more than ever on just a tiny device. Some companies can even run their CRM software on their phones. If you want high power with extreme portability, smartphones can’t be beat.
To BYOD Or Not To BYODÂ
BYOD policies were very popular in offices for a period of time because allowing employees to use their personal devices for work cut corporate costs, while also making most employees more available. After all, you can put a company device away at the end of the day, but you’re unlikely to set aside your personal phone.
BYOD-based attachment also drives up employee stress, a source of 130 million days of absences in the workplace every year. Opting out of BYOD policies can reduce this particular source of stress and improve employee engagement.
Another problem with BYOD policies is that they create a much higher security risk than company devices. Employees might connect their personal device to an unsecured network or accidentally lose a device with protected information on it. That’s why, if you do choose to go the BYOD route, you’ll need a comprehensive device policy.
Even if you opt out of BYOD, you’ll need to set rules about how employees can use personal cell phones or other devices in the workplace. If employees have access to a business phone, for example, they should never use their personal phone to conduct business. The use of cell cameras in the workplace or distracting games and apps should also be restricted by formal policy.
The Company Device
Many companies opt to give their employees whatever devices they will need to conduct business, even if the employee already has personal versions of those devices. This is a good way to set boundaries around device use and levels the playing field in terms of device access. But do you need to provide a full service smartphone to do business?
If you choose to provide a less high tech option, you may experience fewer concerns about security breaches, while also allowing your employees to more easily disconnect from the office. When employees know they can check their email at any moment, they often feel compelled to – but that can cause employees excessive stress, and ultimately may leave them less engaged than before.
Whatever you choose, stand by your technology policy and remind employees about the importance of compliance and be clear about the ramifications of breaking those rules.
Business security is tightly linked to appropriate device use, so managing workplace technology is an important part of corporate leadership.
