Smart Device Financing: Tips for Managing Mobile Workforce Device Costs

From the explosion of flexible working to the emergence of the cloud, the idea of the traditional office has been turned on its head.

In fact, deskless workers – employees who operate from a variety of locations – now make up the majority of the workforce.

The benefits of this haven’t gone unnoticed. For employees, 82% claim hybrid arrangements have made them happier and more engaged in their roles, which perhaps explains why so many job seekers value flexibility among employers.

From an organisational perspective, 62% of managers say their teams are more productive when remote or hybrid working, and 54% of employers are saving money on business travel costs.

Yet while the advantages of flexible work are clear, many business leaders are hesitant to invest in the mobile devices they need due to the potential costs.

Why investing in mobile technology matters

Just as the idea of the office-based schedule has shifted, so has the traditional setup of a laptop or desktop. According to research, 70% of employees use their mobile devices for work purposes.

Mobile devices can be hugely beneficial to businesses. For employees on the move – particularly field workers – they offer a versatile, portable alternative to laptops, granting them access to the tools, communications and information they need from anywhere.

Yet many deskless workers struggle with poor quality devices. Mobile connectivity is impacting 7 out of 10 hybrid workers, and this downtime could be costing them significant productivity.

Mobile device costs you need to be aware of

Investing in your mobile device technology is undoubtedly crucial. But how much should you spend, and where should you focus your investment?

The device

The first investment is, of course, the device itself. An individual device may not be costly, but for large teams of workers this can be a significant initial outlay.

The costs will only be exacerbated by the need for repairs if phones are damaged, and after 2-4 years – the typical lifespan of a commercial mobile – they’ll need to be replaced.

Insurance

The next consideration is insurance. This is crucial for businesses that need to replace phones frequently, as it can offset the costs of repairs and ensure business continuity through quick replacements.

Security

Security is another investment you’ll need to consider. With many employees likely performing aspects of their role via mobile, security measures like encryption and authentication will be crucial to protect sensitive data and login credentials, in the event a device is lost or stolen.

Replacements

The typical mobile device has a short lifespan, and out in the field they’re prone to damage. Drops, water exposure and screen cracks can put a phone out of action, and in some lines of work, these accidents are commonplace.

Over time, the cost of repairing and replacing phones frequently can eat into your cash flow, particularly if they’re not insured.

4 tips for controlling mobile expenses

Mobile workforce devices can be expensive, but they’re undoubtedly necessary to empower remote workers.

Here are several ways you can keep your mobile expenses under control:

1. Flexible tariffs

Rather than committing to one long term tariff, flexible tariffs help you tailor your services in line with your specific needs, requirements and budget. This can help you avoid overspending.

What’s more, as your business grows your tariffs can change with you, ensuring you always have access to the services you need.

2. Device financing and leasing

Financing and leasing options are another way to keep on top of mobile expenses. Instead of purchasing the devices upfront, the costs can be spread out in monthly payments.

Virgin Media O₂ Business, in partnership with Samsung, offers flexible financing options that reduce the initial outlay you’ll need to spend purchasing devices, freeing up cash flow for other business-critical areas.

Our business device services also come with support, maintenance and expert guidance, helping you keep devices in working order, reduce downtime and get the most from your investment.

3. Install comprehensive security systems

Security systems aren’t just an expense for your mobile workforce – they can also be time consuming for your IT teams to manage, particularly if you’re using multiple different providers.

Tools like unified endpoint management (UEM) can streamline the management of your devices. With automatic updates, usage data and enhanced visibility, you can save significant IT maintenance and operation costs.

Our Device as a Service (DaaS) solution makes it easy for you to enrol, configure and secure your devices, saving your IT team time and money and ensuring your teams have compliant and protected devices from the word go.

4. Choose cost-effective products

If you want to keep control of your mobile expenses and reduce costs, make sure you’re investing in durable, resilient products that require less frequent repairs and replacements.

Samsung’s rugged mobile devices have significantly more durability than commercial phones, meaning they’ll need to be replaced less often and will be able to withstand the kinds of damage that typically puts equipment out of action.

What’s more, these devices are included as part of our DaaS offering, meaning any lost or damaged equipment can be replaced in just 24 hours.