Bring your own device (BYOD) is slowly transitioning from a trend to a legitimate movement. Amanda Phillips, MD & head of strategy at Volume, shares her tips for successful implementation
With the increasing proliferation of smartphone devices, companies need to realise the evolving behaviours and skillsets of their workforce. Today, employees are much more comfortable and productive using devices of their own choice, as opposed to those mandated.
Smarter working should be on the agenda of every company heading into the future of business, and bring your own device (BYOD) is a great way to start that process. To ensure the success of such a policy, it needs to be approached on three fronts: HR, IT and facilities.
1. HR
Set out parametersTrust in your employees is necessary for a BYOD initiative, but it’s imperative the company’s policy is clearly defined.
Everything from what’s expected of the employees, what’s expected of the employer, the aims and ambitions, device guidelines; even when IT will be available to provide BYOD-specific support must be made clear. Without a clearly defined policy, chaos and confusion can ensue leaving the door open for exploitation and misuse.
Lead by example
In order to successfully implement smarter working practices, adoption needs to begin at the top. Directors need to lead by example in order to allay fears and foster participation. Implementing these practices will naturally feel uncomfortable for the vast majority of employees who feel bound to more conventional working methods. To smooth the transition, those at the top need to visibly demonstrate their own commitment, inspiring others along the way.
Security
By encouraging employees to utilise a personal device for work use, you’re inviting devices that will inevitably contain personal data. When they connect to your network, their potential apathy towards security becomes the company’s issue.
While an employee who chooses to participate will appreciate some of the risks, it’s important the company fully educates on the dangers, the liabilities and the steps that can be taken to protect personal data. Something as simple as a screen lock may be an inconvenience, but is absolutely crucial for BYOD.
Across a company, every employee will be different. Some will be able to plug in and go immediately, while others may need hand-holding. Just as a one-size-fits-all policy cannot apply to companies with BYOD, it cannot apply to employees either.
2. IT
Security-first
For IT, the first order of business before even thinking about a BYOD policy is a thorough audit of the IT infrastructure before devices can be connected.
It may be that initially BYOD and company-owned systems are hosted on separate networks, much like a ‘guest’ network many companies currently operate.
Compatibility
One main security concern of the BYOD initiative is the proliferation of devices with a variety of operating systems. This in turn leads to issues on application compatibility with the OS, or the web-based application to the browser running on the device. The average number of connected devices is expected to be 3.3 per worker by 2014 alone, thus any policy needs to be flexible and not exclude, but prevent exploitation.
Mixing work and play
Naturally, many employees will already have third-party apps on their devices for a number of purposes. It may seem innocuous, but could easily provide a backdoor route into the organisation’s global address book. While it may prove unpopular, it may be necessary to determine a list of banned apps.

3. Facilities
Truly facilitate
Don’t just verbally encourage workers; implement connectivity for devices (plugs, charging, and desk space). Help employees connect to work on their own systems, and offer key software products.
Don’t make your employees foot the bill either. If they feel the company is taking advantage to save a few pennies, they’re much less likely to view it as a work device. The trust that’s essential for BYOD is a two-way street, and companies need to demonstrate genuine support. Conversely, reimbursement can boost morale and encourage BYOD adoption.
Workspaces
By facilitating mobility, the manner in which employees go about work will change dramatically. Employers should be mindful of changes to the way in which employees use their physical workspaces, it may be that some areas increase in activity and others decrease.
Such patterns should be monitored, analysed and adapted where possible to facilitate the most efficient and effective working environment.
4. HR, IT and facilities
Synergy
One of the key tenets of successful BYOD integration is to bring together the heads of IT, facilities and HR at the earliest stage possible. Traditionally, this is the domain of IT leads who will no doubt want to remain in ‘control’ of the transition. But this process is more than just a functional change; it’s an ideology. The philosophy of smarter working provides context to this change and needs to bind all three departments.