Having employees use their personal phones, tablets, and laptops is common for many small- to medium-sized organizations across the U.S., including builders. According to a CBS MoneyWatch survey, more than 67% of workers use one or more devices at work. Remodelers Advantage suggests this trend isn't going away and takes a look at the pros and cons of allowing employees to use their own devices at work.
The Pros
There are advantages—the company doesn’t have to provide these devices, saving you money. Your team can respond to situations as they crop up during the day, especially when on a job-site or in transit.
There’s no learning curve with familiar operating systems, and people are happy to use the devices they already chose. If their tech is current and able to do what needs to be done, it’s sometimes best to just let them use what they know.
The Cons
Security of files and information is harder to ensure. Using administrator-controlled cloud-based data storage systems like the Google suite, Dropbox, CoConstruct, and BuilderTrend, for example, add a layer of security. If an employee leaves the company, simply deleting or deactivating the account keeps your business information from walking into a competitor’s business.
With general apps like Google and Dropbox, opt for the professional or business programs, that allow the administrator to add or limit permissions for editing or deleting documents or data. With no limits on permissions, a careless or disgruntled former employee could wipe out years of business information.
Remodelers Advantage also makes the case the policies should be in place to govern device usage. Such policies should address personal business on company time, passwords for security, and inappropriate use.
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