Should Remote Employers Provide IT Equipment?

It is becoming increasingly common for employees to work remotely from the comfort of their own homes. As remote work becomes the new normal, many companies expect employees to come prepared with their own IT equipment. In contrast, some organizations believe supplying employees with work equipment is necessary. 

The company’s decision to provide remote employees with IT equipment is entirely up to the company. Still, organization leaders must weigh the pros and cons before committing to either option. Consider the following benefits and drawbacks of providing your remote workers with the equipment before deciding.

The Benefits of Providing IT Equipment for Remote Workers

Providing remote workers with IT equipment comes with its own unique advantages. Otherwise, companies wouldn’t do it in the first place. One of the primary benefits of providing your remote employees with laptops, external monitors, and other hardware is the simplification of IT support. It’s much easier for your team to sort out technical issues when all your devices are identical.

Furthermore, it’s easier to comply with company-owned IT devices’ data protection laws and regulations. When employees use their own devices for work, there’s an increased chance that your organization will experience a data breach, which can be costly. Companies also find it easier to track employee productivity while maintaining compliance with privacy laws when they provide the devices themselves.

The Drawbacks of Providing IT Equipment for Remote Workers

The primary disadvantage of providing employees with electronic devices is the high cost. Most companies only consider the upfront cost of purchasing the equipment, but other expenses are associated with this investment. Remember that if your equipment requires repairs or new parts, your company is responsible for purchasing them. Some employees who quit or are terminated may also risk stealing your equipment, leading to legal issues later.

What Are The Current Standards for Remote Workers?

There is much debate regarding whether or not employers should provide their workers with remote IT equipment. Some companies believe that electronic devices are the employees’ full responsibility. They also state that, since most people have access to laptops and other remote work devices, it shouldn’t be an issue for employees to use their own devices.

Although this viewpoint is perfectly valid, many employers argue that while providing company-owned equipment can be expensive, it is better for employees and companies in the long run. As they see it, remote employees are more productive when working from company-owned laptops because they know that employers can track all activities on their devices. 

Additionally, remote employees need IT equipment to accomplish work-related tasks, and providing equipment is no different than providing a company email address or uniform. Ultimately, the decision is entirely up to the company, but many organization leaders agree that it should be customary for remote workers to use company-owned laptops.

Recycle Your IT Equipment with FAMCe

Because companies that choose that provide their own IT equipment are fully responsible for their electronic devices, they’ll need to upgrade them eventually. When it’s time for you to recycle your company-owned equipment, allow certified e-waste recyclers to handle it for you.

If you’re ready to take care of e-waste at your company, First America Metal Corp. (FAMCe) can help. FAMCe has over 30 years of experience assisting organizations with the secure destruction and recycling of their outdated electronics, providing data security solutions for various devices. Our high level of expertise and exceptional customer service have built our reputation as the leading company for your ITAD needs.
Want to recycle your old devices with confidence? Contact FAMCe today for e-waste disposal that’s ethical and secure.