A lack of understanding could lead to a lack of growth

According to Gartner’s Strategic Planning Assumption, 40 per cent or more of enterprise work will become “non-routine” by 2015, up 25 per cent from 2010. For businesses, a failure to recognise and understand these changes is leading not only to increasing IT security challenges, but also missed opportunities for growth. 

As boundaries continue to blur between work and home life, less than two thirds of employees feel they can get their work completed within a traditional 9-5 schedule. Constant connectivity, multiple stakeholders and global business demands are leading to an “always-on” mentality. The modern employee expects to be measured and managed on effective output, not hours served behind a desk, which indicates a significant shift towards a flexible working model.

To meet business demands and minimise time wasted with poorly functioning technology, employees not only require, but are demanding devices that can stand up to an anytime, anywhere environment. 

With recent economic conditions and constantly mounting pressure on CIOs, some businesses are taking a “wait and see” approach to managing evolving workforce and technology demands. While attempting to focus on short-term issues, the risk of ignoring long-term trends could be dire for businesses.

By not managing the use of consumer devices, new platforms and services in the workplace, businesses are risking data loss and opening themselves up to significant security threats. In fact, 50 per cent of businesses with a “bring your own device” policy admitted suffering data loss.

Equally as bad is an overzealous, inflexible IT policy that, not only hinders productivity, but also encourages employees to seek non-secure alternatives simply to get around the difficulties posed by the structure.

The message to businesses is clear: understanding technology demands of the workforce is vital for the long-term growth of businesses. It can both directly and indirectly impact an organisation’s bottom line. Instead of ignoring these trends and developments, businesses have the opportunity to embrace them and capitalise on the benefits they afford. 

But how? Ultimately, it is not a “one size fits all” solution. IT policies and employee choice in technology needs to be orchestrated within clear parameters specified by an organisation to achieve growth and efficiencies as well as protect assets.

For example, organisations might consider a BYOD policy if they are able to invest in security solutions as well as mobile device management solutions. Another option could be to invest in a variety of device platforms, such as tablets and ultra-books, that are highly securable and manageable which can then be provisioned to employees based on preference and job role. 

The critical message to businesses is to get their heads out of the sand. The impact of today’s technology trends is being felt today and, if ignored, the ramifications in the future could be disastrous.

 

Ekaraj Panjavinin is country manager of Dell Corporation (Thailand).