Why the Mobile 'Pocket Office' Is Inevitable and Good for Business
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People want their own technology
Personal technology encourages the consumer to customize solutions to fit their individual needs. Thanks to powerful personal mobile tools from technology giants like Apple, Android, Microsoft and Google, today's professionals feel empowered (or perhaps entitled) to exercise that same mobile freedom in the workplace – an expectation which, if not met, can result in a productivity lull caused by employees spending time adjusting to tools they feel are clunky or non-intuitive.
Businesses can help circumvent such technology clashes by openly acknowledging the issue. Establish an explicit bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policy around how personal devices fit into the company's IT structure. BYOD can certainly raise security issues for some companies, which only reinforces the need to openly address the issue with a clear policy and mobility management software. In cases where personal device use is limited, seek feedback from employees on their preferred software and tools – many of which may have enterprise versions that will provide a similar experience.
The rise of mobile technology has significantly increased the use of personal devices in the workplace. In fact, personal "pocket office" devices tucked discreetly inside a purse or coat pocket are the tools powering many of today's business professionals.
Yet, a surprising number of businesses continue to neglect addressing the "pocket office" in an official capacity — 60 percent of companies in 2013 had no personal device policy in place. Businesses that do create formal policies often focus on restricting usage and struggle to balance employee expectations with the need for security and a consistent company standard of communication.
Whether companies like it or not, the proliferation of mobile devices in the workplace will only grow, as employees desire the same mobile-driven productivity professionally that they enjoy personally. The time is ripe for businesses to harness the mobile tide and use it to empower productivity, rather than fight the current. In this slideshow, Rony Zarom, founder and CEO of Watchitoo, discusses four reasons why the "pocket office" movement is not only inevitable, but also an incredible opportunity to energize your business in 2015.
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