BYOD and the next generation workforce

Millennials will make up 75% of the global workforce by 2025. A new generation of worker has arrived and they want bring-your-own-device (BYOD). Typically, younger generations are more mobile, they demand greater freedom and flexibility and they understand the value of work-life balance. In addition to this, they want to use the same tools and technologies in the workplace as they do in everyday life.

Younger generations don’t just want to work in places where the latest technology is on offer; they actually demand it. According to CIO, around 42% of millennials would leave a company because they felt that the organisation had “substandard technology”.

Not only do these policies save money and boost employee satisfaction, they also increase worker productivity. The findings of a 2014 survey reveal:

• 70% of millennials work up to 20 or more hours outside the office per week.
• 50% say the freedom to work in any location improves their work/life balance.
• 60% believe their employers expect them to be accessible outside of office hours.
• 73% of millennials don’t expect their employer to supply devices at work.

Millennials are an entirely new kind of worker. One mustn’t forget that these employees have always lived in world dominated by wearables and WiFi, where they can share their opinions via a range of social media platforms and they carry powerful, and smart, devices around with them wherever they go.

Having a comprehensive BYOD policy in place gives employees the freedom to use the technology they are comfortable using and the tools that best suit the job. Employees are already using their mobile devices at work, whether it’s while they’re on their lunch break or while they’re on the job. It’s happening anyway, so let’s shift the thinking to the opportunities for productivity and output. According to a study from the Pew Research Centre, 77% of employees use their phones at work regardless of employer policies and around 20% of staff use social media to get information that helps them solve work-related problems.

BYOD is not longer considered “the future of workplace technology”; it’s the current reality and is more important than ever before. Want help setting up your BYOD strategy? We’re the partner you need. Complete the form below and we’ll be in touch.