As mobile and tablet sales have steadily overtaken desktop PC and laptop sales in the last few years, businesses are now considering the increased flexibility and numerous benefits brought about by adopting a mobile working policy.

 

As mobile devices become more affordable, businesses can ensure their employees are up-to-date with the ‘always on’ culture by keeping them connected through their work devices or allowing staff to participate in a ‘Bring Your Own Device’ (BYOD) policy.   

 

Although it is unlikely that mobile devices will ever completely replace the traditional desktop in the workplace, it is now common practice for businesses to integrate devices into the workplace and working life to ensure employees are flexible and ready to respond in real-time.

 

If you’re considering implementing a mobile working policy within your business, where should you start?

 

Here are 4 key pointers to bear in mind!

 

Check compatibility

 

Before you purchase any devices or allow staff to start using their own, it’s crucial to check with your IT support staff or software suppliers that these devices are compatible with the software you’re already using. Failing to do this could incur big costs or wasted expenditure as you may have to purchase alternative devices or change your systems to ensure they integrate. Planning ahead can save time, effort and money!

 

Develop a strategy or policy

 

Allowing mobile devices into your work culture can be a great opportunity for your business to be connected on the go, more responsive to ad-hoc developments and embrace flexible working. However, it’s important to develop a guide for how new or personal devices will be used. It could be costly and unnecessary to buy a number of devices, only to find you don’t really need them. You should therefore start by assessing whether you need a mobile working policy. If you decide to go mobile, then developing a policy will help staff understand how they can use their work or own devices effectively and appropriately by staying in-line with company guidance.

 

Security is key!

 

Mobile devices may be used to handle sensitive business and customer data, therefore it is imperative that any mobile working policy addresses various levels of security. You can start with the most basic level, such as automatic screen locking and passwords, through to high level security such as encrypting information, or enabling ‘remote wipe’ so all data can be remotely erased should the device be mislaid, lost or stolen.

 

Think outside the box

 

Mobile devices can be used to do many of the key functions of a business such as reading and responding to emails, making calls, accessing documents and sharing information online. However, being mobile provides you with numerous opportunities to work creatively and on the go. For example, you could take unexpected opportunities to pitch your product or service by storing ready-to-use presentations. There’s also a plethora of mobile apps the business could use to help staff work collaboratively, become organised and stay connected with the business.

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