In today’s hybrid work landscape, employees often rely on devices beyond their company-provided computer to complete their work. This usage of additional technology, particularly leveraging personal devices for work, can blur the lines between professional and personal. An issue that could be addressed by including a dedicated work smartphone alongside the standard company-provided computer. However, Motorola found a gap in the utilization of dedicated work smartphones by organizations across the globe in two recent surveys: “The Global Employee Security and Productivity Study” and “The Global IT Decision-Maker Study.”

The “Global Employee Security and Productivity Study” revealed only 26% of employees use a dedicated work smartphone provided by their employer, suggesting the vast majority of employees use their personal smartphone for work purposes. This can present a number of concerns for both organizations and employees, including hindered productivity, compromised security, and difficulty establishing proper work-life balance.

While the usage of dedicated work smartphones is limited, employee interest is not lacking. Motorola found the majority (54%) of respondents who do not use a work-dedicated smartphone would opt into using one if provided by their organization. When it comes to those employees who do use a dedicated work smartphone, their experiences are often positive, with 85% agreeing they feel a better sense of work-life balance when using their dedicated work smartphone. The benefits extend beyond work-life balance to greater efficiency completing tasks (63%) and streamlined communication with colleagues (57%). 

“Now more than ever, employees are seeking methods to enhance their experience at work. Solely relying on a personal smartphone in the workplace can pose challenges for employees, such as hindering productivity, increasing security risks, and leaving undefined boundaries between work and personal life,” said Sudhir Chadaga, Head of B2B at Motorola. “While we’re seeing a growing desire for work-provided phones from employees, the majority of companies have yet to take action in providing them, leaving individuals to navigate work tasks and communication on their personal smartphones.”

Dedicated work smartphones don’t just benefit employees, with leadership also realizing the benefits of providing dedicated work smartphones and the risks associated with foregoing this offering. Motorola’s “Global IT Decision-Maker Study” found 100% of CIOs and CTOs at large companies who offer their employees company-provided smartphones report benefits from doing so. On the other hand, 61% of CIOs and CTOs are concerned by the security risks posed by employees using personal smartphones for work purposes.

“There are numerous risks associated with using personal smartphones in the workplace, the most significant of which are heightened vulnerability to data breaches and increased potential for employee distractions,” said Chadaga. “Integrating dedicated work smartphones allows companies to maintain proper security measures while promoting productivity and better work-life balance. With the Motorola for Business portfolio, we aim to offer end-to-end solutions to our customers, customizable for their needs and size of business.” 

With the crucial role technology plays in the hybrid work landscape, expanding company-provided devices beyond computers to include smartphones has the potential to benefit both employers and their employees. From improved work-life balance to enhanced security and productivity, Motorola’s “Global Employee Security and Productivity Study” and “Global IT Decision-Maker Study” suggest the benefits of leveraging dedicated work smartphones are significant and worth considering.

Motorola for Business provides organizations with the latest advancements in digital technology, data security and mobile device management with enterprise-ready mobile smartphones, from moto g, motorola edge and razr families, as well as the Lenovo ThinkPhone by Motorola. To learn more, please visit https://www.motorola.com/business/.

About the Survey

Motorola’s “Global Employee Security and Productivity Study” surveyed 4,000 employees from companies of all sizes (1-500+ employees) across the globe to gauge the opinions on dedicated work smartphones from October – November 2023 by Censuswide.

Motorola’s “Global IT Decision Maker Study” surveyed 318 CIOs and CTOs who work at companies with 500+ employees across the globe to gauge the opinions on dedicated work smartphones from October – November 2023 by Censuswide.

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