The world of technology is one that is always changing and evolving, usually for the better, but sometimes not. However, as the technology improves, one thing that will always be present is the human desire for it. Every time some big and new piece of technology hits the market, like mobile devices (think along the lines of every version of iPhone or iPad that comes out), millions of people around the world flock to get their hands on the shiny new gadget.
The trend in people buying the newest things as soon as they come out, or soon after, is not a new concept by any means, in fact it has been present since humankind first began using tools. But one of the main differences between all those other cases—before the influx of so much lightweight, portable technology—is that more and more people are using mobile devices like smartphones and tablets in the workplace, despite the inevitable security concerns that come with it. As a result, companies have started encouraging their employees to utilize the relatively-new concept of BYOD, or ‘bring your own device.’
Bring ‘Em If You Got ‘Em
The bring-your-own-device fad is fading
So how does this translate into the corporate world of business? Simple: the more mobile the devices become, the more they will be brought to work. And within the past decade, many companies have tried to ban the personal use of smartphones in the workplace, but aside from the industries that require high security, have all failed in their attempts due to extreme opposition by employees or otherwise.
So instead, many companies tried a different approach: instead of fighting the masses to control personal device usage in an attempt to curb distractions and increase productivity, they opted to allow the use of personal devices at work, as long as it was within reason, or in other words, not spending all day long playing on the device. The results were actually quite surprising in that the companies experienced increased productivity and workflow.
The increase was a direct result of two major factors; the first being elevated employee happiness by being able to use their devices at work, and the second from the usage of personal devices for work related matters.
The companies started to notice that their employees were beginning to utilize their personal devices to assist in the completion of work related matters like; emails, calls, appointments, calculations, submissions, and in the international sphere; translations.
Modern Devices Call For Modern Measures
A History Class Using Bring-Your-Own-Devices (BYOD)
However, these changes and observations took place in the mid to late 2000s. Since then, the number companies that all employees to BYOD has escalated significantly. But what’s even more significant is the number of companies that promote BYOD to their employees as a means of productivity and interconnectivity. For example, both individuals and companies now utilize apps like Evernote, Slack, and Asana to not only quickly communicate with both remote and on-site employees but also to set goals, prioritize tasks, and organize online content, as a team.
The companies that offer BYOD as the root method for their employees to connect to the company network and get work done have become some of the leaders in today’s businesses. It is estimated that by the end of 2012, roughly 80 percent of all companies will allow some sort of BOYD allowance, with over 20 percent of those companies utilizing BYOD as a primary means of employee workflow.
BYOD is an important business strategy of the future. Any aspiring businesses that want to ensure their success will need to incorporate a savvy, hacker-proof BYOD plan.