BYOD.

I see it everyday as people juggle technology, carrying multiple phones, multiple PCs and creating multiple hassles about how many pockets they need to carry the stuff? Seems everyone has their favourite pieces of technology, which they feel give them the edge in speed and productivity but more often than not, it is banned at work. Most people I know, now carry at least two phones because the company issued phone is nowhere as much fun or interactive as their choice. So why would companies not want their employees engaged and productive? Reasons from security to cost savings have limited companies who eventually, will have to bow to employee pressure to BYOD.

The push for BYOD (bring your own device) is gaining momentum within all areas of the corporate world and some surveys like Aruba IT, show Europe with a two thirds adoption rate for companies allowing their employees to bring at least some kind of device to work. The majority of IT managers covered in an another survey over 11 countries, indicated BYOD had serious competitive advantages with 60% of employees bringing a device of choice to work and 80% of companies looking to allow BYOD within the next 24 months.

The most obvious choices for BYOD, have always been phones but tablets will soon overtake the laptop as far as the professional is concerned, especially when looking to bring their best productivity to work. The early adopters will always be IT companies like Cisco, who are calling BYOD the "intelligent network". Companies are looking at cost reductions along with engagement and productivity gains from the BYOD tidal wave but much needs to be done to have fully integrated systems that can handle the plethora of devices chosen by employees.

The number one issue that companies have with the BYOD movement is in the area of security and trying to keep secure enterprises from falling into the wrong hands. Security has a lot to do with company culture and the understanding of employees for the need and value of company IP and no matter what technology is being used or mandated, it won't make a difference if someone really wants to screw with your security. Surveys have found that WiFi policy and the openness of the airwaves is a bigger problem than what kind of technology is being brought to work.

If companies can get it right, the productivity gains to be had from BYOD far out weigh the concerns around security, as employees wipe out the line between work and play, to be always connected, always engaged and always enjoying the experience. After all, the time spent with technology engulfs us all, so why shouldn't we at least work with our technology of choice? The devices we choose become an extension of ourselves and allow us the freedom and flexibility to multi task, work and play at the same time and not be as judgemental about the amount of work done.

I agree that BYOD has competitive advantages for staff engagement, but to truly motivate staff, companies need to reconsider their BYOG policies. Fridays have never been the same since HR cleaned out the booze cupboard.