BYOD: what is it and why are businesses using it?

With the increase in flexible and remote working, many companies are utilising Bring Your Own Device or BYOD to help with business continuity and to ensure staff stay productive.

In 2018, it was estimated that 45% of UK business respondents had used BYOD. And according to Bitglass’ 2020 BYOD Report, 69% of respondents said that employees at their companies are allowed to use personal devices to perform their work.

So, with seemingly more businesses permitting BYOD, what is it and why are they using it?

BYOD refers to employees who bring their own devices – such as smartphones and tablets –to the workplace to use and connect to the secure corporate network.

By allowing staff to bring and use their own devices for work, it can create a more relaxed, open and efficient environment that benefits both parties. Further benefits include:

• Businesses can save money by removing the need to buy each staff member specific devices, equipment, and software.
• Increased happiness and satisfaction of your employees because they can work more flexibly.
• Boosted productivity as employees are familiar and comfortable with their own devices.
• The availability of up-to-date technology when staff members upgrade their devices.

Chris Southern, General Sales Manager for Enterprise Solutions, said: “Productivity levels will naturally increase when you enable staff to securely and easily access business data on their own device. Companies also have the benefit of access to up-to-date technology as staff tend to change their devices more frequently.”

Although BYOD can boost your work environment, it can also open the door to new risks and exposures. To avoid these risks, businesses must understand what they involve and how they can provide an extra layer of protection to secure critical data. Considering the full implications of allowing access to corporate data on personal devices – especially when they have no control over it – is paramount.

Many corporations that permit employees to use their own devices at work implement a BYOD security policy. This clearly outlines the company's position and governance policy to help IT to better manage these devices and ensure network security is not compromised by employees using their own devices.

Chris added: “A company should decide if a BYOD strategy is for them by doing their due diligence and evaluating the benefits versus the risks.”

Whether you allow BYOD or not, there are many technologies for enterprise available that enable personal devices to be connected. Solutions like interactive displays, huddle rooms, printers, digital signage, and projectors accept BYOD connections allowing for staff to work flexibly and efficiently.

If you would like to know more about BYOD or any technologies that support BYOD, please speak to Chris Southern on chris.southern@midwich.com or +44 7887419301.