The modern workplace has evolved considerably in the last few years. With staff spread across multiple locations, the need to all work from the same space has been removed. For many businesses, the need for all staff to work from a central server was replaced by Cloud solutions, which can be accessed from anywhere.
Another major change in the modern workplace is the devices staff use to work. Many businesses have replaced clunky desktop PCs with more streamlined laptops and tablets. To make their staff even happier, some businesses have gone done the BYOD route, so their teams get to use a device of their choice.
But BYOD has to be implemented properly, or could pose a major security risk to your business. Get started with BYOD, and introduce a BYOD policy.
What Should be in a BYOD Policy?
Before letting your staff work from any device they choose, there need to be clear expectations of what is and isn’t allowed. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, this is vital to protect your organisation.
Objective
Why are you thinking of implementing a BYOD policy? Do you want more productivity? Are you hoping for increased employee satisfaction? You want everyone in the business to have the same expectations, so there are no nasty surprises for anyone in the future.
Permitted Devices
Laptops, tablets, phones, iOS, Windows 11, Android OS. So. Many. Choices. In your BYOD policy you need to be specific about the devices your staff can and can’t use. The same applies to operating systems. It might be sensible to ask staff beforehand, to make sure you account for everything.
Business vs Personal
It is vital that you can distinguish between company and personally owned apps and data. If the device is lost or stolen, can the business remotely wipe the device, or wipe company data from it? You may be able to use virtual partitions on the device to differentiate between who owns what.
Security
Mixing business data with personal devices needs to be done properly. You need to take measures to reduce security risks, such as setting guidelines for complex password protection and insisting on multi-factor authentication when available.
Device Usage
You may need to set limits on what you staff can and cant use during working hours. This may include limiting personal communication, playing games, restricting access to certain websites and more. Make it clear, so everyone knows where they stand.
Training
Make sure your staff are aware of what is expected of them. Make your employees aware of the rules for accessing company data through their personal devices and provide basic training about managing their devices and apps.
Leaving the Business
What happens when an employee leaves? You’ll need to work out how to remove their access to company information as well as deleting business data or company-owned apps from their personal device without affecting their own personal data.
BYOD can be a great option to make sure staff are productive, and have the right tools to get their jobs done. Once implemented properly, it can be a great cost-saving option for a business.
Make sure your business ahs the right tech in place. Have a chat with one of our technical experts and see how your business can operate with the right tools.
