Like any cliché high school scene, bring your own device (BYOD) is separating the office into distinct categories. An article gives the ins and outs by identifying the key players in shaping the new BYOD workplace.
The Millenials
The Millenials pouring into the workforce are said to be blamed for the BYOD era. They have the latest technology and are reluctant to use anything else. Millenials actually want to blend their personal and business lives by working weekends and odd hours.
The Techies
Office Techies have embraced the Android! BYOD has encouraged mobile leaders to create applications to help IT workers monitor systems remotely while still giving the openness and freedom they desire.
The CEOs
The CEOs are at the top of the food chain, obviously. In a BYOD office, whether the CEO wants to use a brand new iPad or an antique Blackberry, the IT department has to make it work with any and all networks on the spot.
The Older Generation
There is always going to be that group that goes against the grain. In the BYOD era, it is becoming seemingly inevitable that employers will require employees to bring their own device to the office and the older generation is not quite as accepting of this policy. They would rather not shell out money for a fancy phone and sign over privacy rights to the office IT department.
The Sales People
There’s a comfort that comes with using your own device. The profile of sales people is one of simplicity and despise for anything inhibiting mobility. Sales people want to bring the glitz and glam to show off to their potential customers!
The Hourly Workers
Even employees who are near the bottom of the food chain are affected by BYOD policies in the office. Entry-level and hourly workers don’t always qualify for company-issued devices and are left to tap into their own resources. Since BYOD allows for communication outside of defined work hours, these workers are bombarded with emails and texts even after they are off the clock. Tread lightly.
The Chronic Complainers
With any policy, you can’t please everyone. BYOD gained the support of the chronic complainers who, day in and day out, insisted they be permitted to use their own devices. Once the BYOD policy was set, the complaints have shifted to privacy rights and security controls.
The Social Networkers
The social networkers in the office are probably the most addicted to the BYOD era. It allows them to post and share constantly, in and out of the office!
The Bad Employees
Let’s not shy away from a very real concern of BYOD policies, data security. Sensitive company information is stored on devices that IT departments may not have full control over. If put into the wrong hands, a BYOD policy can be detrimental to the company.
The CIOs
Finally, the CIOs. Center to company-wide information, CIOs are always in the hot seat when implementing a BYOD policy. It is their job to make sure bridge company networks with personal devices, ensuring it works for every. They balance privacy and monitoring rights while working closely with all branches of the business. Good luck to the CIOs.
If your company has implemented a BYOD policy, how would you categorize yourself in the up and coming era?