BYOD Policy Guidelines

DavidIn yesterday’s blog, titled BYOD, I introduced a new phenomenon known as Bring Your Own Device. Since more and more people are using personal electronic devices (smartphones/tablets) at their place of business, it’s a good idea for businesses to begin formulating BYOD policies and procedures.

Where does a business begin in the process of developing a BYOD policy that employees will feel is acceptable?

Christina Nordquist, in “Make a New Connection,” suggests asking the following questions to help you get started in developing a BYOD policy:1

  1. Should the company limit access to some data?
  2. How will the business support different devices?
  3. When does the company have the right to access employee-owned devices?
  4. Can the business network handle the added traffic?
  5. Should the business white list or blacklist apps to protect devices and data?
  6. Will specific apps be pushed to employee-owned devices?
  7. Can the business remotely wipe any device in case it’s lost or stolen, or if an employee is terminated?
  8. Who pays for what? How does a business determine monthly stipends?

Steve Dunn from the RugbyTel blog post further identifies the four major departments that should be central in developing an effective BYOD policy:2

1. I.T. Department
Of course the I.T. Department is central to anything dealing with technology. The I.T. staff will have a broad overview of any software programs, utilities and apps to use in your company. In addition, this department will have knowledge of security measures that will be needed to be put in place.

2. Legal Department
As the BYOD phenomenon develops into regular practice, questions of ownership of data and privacy, not to mention browsing practices will increase. The legal department can be effective in setting and making clear the parameters.

3. Human Resources
The lines between work and play are becoming more blurred each day as technology advances. Human Resources should give and make clear guidance on what defines “at work” versus “at home,” especially with regards to what might count as overtime outside the office.

4. Finance
Policy guidelines should be developed that deal with what can and cannot be expensed, as well as keeping track of current data usage in order to find the right data plan most financially feasible for the company.

As you delve into the possibility of developing an effective BYOD policy, asking these questions and including the main departments of your company (even if YOU are all of the main departments) will make the idea of BYOD more of a reality.

1Nordquist, C. Make a new connection. Retrieved from http://blog.annese.com/bid/343880/BYOD-Bring-Your-Own-Demon-5-Chilling-Stats-to-Spook-Your-IT-Manager

2Dunn, Steve. Bring your own device (byod) policies are smart business: is your company ready? Retrieved from http://rugbytel.com/2014/10/14/bring-device-policies-smart-business-company-ready/

Author: Blogforce

Workforce Solutions provides comprehensive human resource services for businesses and residents of the 13-county Houston-Galveston Gulf Coast region. Workforce Solutions helps employers solve workforce-related business problems and area residents build careers, so that both can better compete in the changing worldwide economy. Our Employer Service Division provides personalized service to help employers find qualified applicants for their jobs, build the skills and expertise of their new and current employees, and address human resource needs. We operate multiple community-based career offices in 13 Texas Gulf Coast counties to help residents get a job, keep a job or get a better job – offering placement, career counseling and financial aid services. We partner with the region’s businesses, educational institutions, civic organizations and community leaders to find solutions to current and future labor needs of industries that are vital to the region and its economy.

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