Advantages and disadvantages of using iPods in the workplace

We've all seen them. They're everywhere. People can't bear to be parted with them. They are..iPods! You see them in the park while people go jogging. You see them snuck into classrooms by students hoping not to get caught. You see them on airplanes, in malls and around the grocery store. But have you ever noticed them at work? Have you ever thought about using an iPod to help rather than hinder you at work? Let's talk about some of the advantages and disadvantages of using iPods in the workplace.

Nowadays even businesses are starting to use iPods in the workplace. They are being used to deliver training and education materials. Typically a business produces 15 to 30 minute clips for employees to watch and listen to different types of training. The idea is that iPods don't have to be used just for entertainment purposes; they can also be used for learning and mobile education. Another thing that goes along with this is called Podcasting.

Podcasting is a technology that allows organizations and individuals to send multimedia content to an audience on a regular basis with little or no effort on the part of the user. The user simply subscribes to a particular Podcast feed and then the content is downloaded to the user's computer or iPod when a new Podcast episode/program is available. This Podcast can then be played in a computer media player of the user's choice, such as iTunes or an iPod. This means that the user does not have to go and look for information and is not tied into accessing media at specified times.

So now let's discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of using an iPod in the workplace.

Advantages
 One of the best uses of an iPod at work is to send training material to your employees. It may be sent to all of your employees at the same time without requiring you to have a special office meeting for the topic of the Podcast.
 With an iPod, you can contact your employees at any time, and the information you send can be used at any time. They won't need to ask you the same silly questions over and over again as long as it's been included in their Podcast. They have access to it forever (versus emails, which are usually deleted after a period of time, or phone messages, which expire after a while).
 You can tell your employees exactly what they need to know on a certain topic without them going to other sources for help (especially sources that might lead them astray). And, they'll be able to use your information at any time or place.

Disadvantages
 Your employees will all need to have iPods if you are going to send information to them. This could be expensive for your company if you decide to purchase them for your employees, or expensive for your employees if they are required to purchase them on their own.
 Having iPods at work may encourage your employees to do less work. If they have an iPod just sitting at their desks, tempting them to stop what they're doing and watch a movie or listen to a book, they will get less work done and be less productive.

All in all, using iPods in the workplace can be a great way to keep your employees up to date and ready to be as prepared as possible. Your employees will see it as a great perk to be able to use and have an iPod at work (especially if the company is providing the iPods) and they'll be happier and therefore more willing to get their jobs done.

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Categories: Management,

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