The bring your own device (BYOD) trend isn’t losing momentum. On the contrary, it’s gaining ground in a number of organizations, and forward-thinking companies are embracing the change. However, in their efforts to safeguard business data and ensure proper security, many businesses are making mistakes with their programs that defeat the purpose of this tech revolution.
The entire concept involves creating an environment that empowers employees to become more efficient and effective in their respective positions. This list of common pitfalls outlines what not to do when implementing a BYOD strategy.
Resisting the Change
A hostile attitude toward BYOD is the surest way to fail. Companies that reluctantly develop a plan and slowly integrate it are asking for problems. However, developing an agile program that adopts personal device usage with a welcoming spirit provides the best opportunity for success.
Failing to Support Common Devices
Due to security and support concerns, many businesses are tempted to limit device inclusion to a specific brand or operating system. A successful BYOD program is centered on user needs and delivering the options that help them improve performance. Offering more choices through a structure that can expand to include a variety of smartphones, laptops, and tablets is key for success.
Lack of Privacy
Naturally, companies need to be able to monitor certain activity, but personal devices also contain personal property. Overly invasive monitoring is a recipe for liability; therefore, an effective program should include discretionary monitoring protocols that respect worker privacy.
Email Mistakes
Mobile operating systems have made the necessity of restricting email and calendar apps to a specific provider a non-issue, but many companies still insist on trying to enforce this outdated practice. Making that mistake will cause performance to suffer, rather than improve.
Focusing on Device Security
It is nearly impossible to ensure that unsecured devices are prohibited from connecting to the company network. Rather than futilely trying to safeguard each device that gets connected, focus on developing the infrastructure controls that will limit and control access to sensitive applications.
Failing to Create Self-Help Options
One of the benefits of embracing BYOD involves the fact that employees will rely on hardware and software support from their personal provider, limiting business costs. However, developing an in-house support structure is another key for orchestrating success. By giving employees the opportunity to help, assist, and contribute to other members of the team, companies can create proactive IT support solutions.
Moreover, IT departments should never ignore support requests because an employee is working on his or her own device. Develop initial protocols to determine whether the problem is related to the company application or the personal device.
Instituting Service Plan Limitations
Many companies create provider policies to simplify reimbursement by demanding that workers switch their cell phone carrier to the corporate plan. And while this does generate allocation efficiencies, avoid making the transition overly tedious or costly. Offering a variety of plan options for the BYOD program helps ensure its successful adoption.
Developing Overarching Security
Although security concerns are naturally heightened with a BYOD program, avoid creating a comprehensive solution. By matching security protocols to specific tasks and activities, businesses can limit employee frustrations.
Allowing workers to use their own devices has the power to propel business efficiency and employee performance when conducted correctly. Avoid costly failures by steering clear of these common mistakes.