Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

Dallas Managing Partner Mike Abcarian was interviewed for a podcast by Employee Benefit News about the growing trend of companies allowing employees to use their own electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets and laptops, for company use. Mike noted that the practice, known as BYOD, can help reduce expenses and provide the opportunity to use the most up-to-date technology. But he also warned that along with these advantages, allowing employees to use their own electronic devices can have potential pitfalls. These risks include security and confidentiality issues, technology problems and wage-hour claims. Mike said that the most significant concern is the blurring of the line between information that the employer has a right to have access to and what is considered private or personal information to the owner of the device. The employer must illuminate the expectation of privacy on any device that is used for business purposes. He stressed that the most important step an employer should take is to develop a well thought out and well executed written policy on BYOD.