BYOD Policies - Do You Have One? Do You Need One?

Bring your own device (BYOD). What does this mean? In short BYOD is when your employees use their own devices (smart phones, laptops, tablets, etc.) for work purposes. 

Sounds a little scary doesn't it? How can you the employer control what the employee is doing? Are they really working? Are they shopping online? Can I ask to see the device? How can I enforce Internet policies about time wasting activities? What about nonexempt employees? How do I when when they are working and should be compensated? What about security? What about record retention? In the public sector: what about public records?

For the employee it becomes a question of privacy. This is my device, the employer does not have a right to peruse it! I don't want to carry two phones/laptops/tablets but I don't want my employer to have access to my personal stuff either.

SHRM has some guidelines on putting together policies to address this trend and what to avoid (click here). They aren't offering any sample policies just yet but the guidance is solid. At the end of the day it will be a balancing act. How much should the focus be on employee privacy and how much on employer concerns.