Creating a Happier Workforce

Have you heard of the bring your own computer trend?  Companies like Citrix, Microsoft and Kraft foods have implemented bring your own computer programs.  Essentially employees are offered a stipend to purchase a computer of their choice.  It opens up an opportunity to have the employee purchase a computer that is customized to their personal needs.  It is debatable that allowing employees flexibility in customizing their technology may enable a more productive workforce.  Bottom line is a more productive and happy workforce can be beneficial for both the employee and employer.

Glance around your office and you are likely to see more laptops, iPads and smart phones at work not owned by the company but belonging to your co-workers. The bring-your-own (BYO) computer trend is gaining steam, serving as employee retention and recruiting tools and as a way for organizations to reduce technology support costs. According to a 2010 Forrester Research report, 56 percent of North American and European companies support use of personal mobile computing devices in the workplace. Forrester estimates about half of the 15 million iPads sold in 2010 are used in the workplace. While tech-savvy workers might embrace a greater choice in computing devices, BYO initiatives raise concerns for human resource leaders about protection of sensitive HR data, ownership of corporate information and employee privacy matters.  “Ninety-six percent of participants said they were satisfied with the BYO program and would recommend it to someone else,” he said. “You can reasonably argue that a more satisfied employee will probably stay with the company longer and be willing to work harder.” - Michael McKiernan, VP Business Technology - Citrix [http://www.shrm.org/hrdisciplines/safetysecurity/articles/Pages/BringYourOwnComputers.aspx]