As the IT Manager in a hybrid work environment where staff currently use one laptop, I'm facing increasing requests from employees asking for a second laptop to keep at home for remote work days. While I've advised against it due to added costs and maintenance, they persist in asking. I'm struggling to see any solid justification for giving out a second laptop apart from personal convenience. If granted, I'm concerned this could lead to a flood of requests from over 60 employees. I'd like to know if this is common in other organizations and understand the implications if we move forward with this. My primary concerns include: the additional cost of laptops, the implications of not having a continuous VPN connection for updates and checks, potential syncing issues with using two laptops under one account, complications during offboarding, and what criteria we should establish to control requests for a second laptop. Any insights or experiences related to this would be greatly appreciated!
5 Answers
If the request escalates, double down on the policy of one device for each user. Remind them that laptops are meant to be portable. And if they don't want to bring it home, then maybe they need to work in the office full time!
Exactly! It’s not about comfort; it’s about managing resources effectively.
I can't believe we're even discussing this. Laptops exist to be used on the go! If they want a second laptop just because they can't be bothered to carry theirs home, that's absurd. A second device creates more headaches for IT. You end up with patching nightmares too!
Yep! One of my coworkers tried this, and they ended up doing the same work on both laptops. Never again.
Totally agree. If they’re really pushing for it, ask them to write up a budget and let upper management decide. That'll probably shut them down.
Honestly, I've seen organizations provide only one laptop per employee due to logistics. If someone truly has an accommodation need, then HR should be involved. Anything else is just laziness!
Spot on! If someone has a legitimate need, that's valid, but otherwise, we shouldn't entertain this.
Exactly! The tech should be expected to be carried. If not, let the staff work from the office.
This is when you bring up costs to the leadership! Maintaining additional laptops means doubling all the licenses and support costs—which isn’t cheap at all! Challenge their reasoning from a financial perspective to put an end to this nonsense.
Exactly! Once management sees the budget implications, it'll be a firm no.
Right! It's all about the money. And maybe suggest they improve their home office setup instead?
No way should we be handing out a second laptop! The whole point of a laptop is that it’s portable. If someone is struggling to carry their current laptop, maybe they just need a good bag instead. It's not like they’re carrying a 10-pound brick!
Exactly! A good laptop bag can make all the difference. It’s a hassle-free solution without doubling the cost of hardware.
Right! Plus, if they really need comfort, they could ask for a docking station setup instead. Much more reasonable!
Well said! They’ll learn quickly that the cost of extra equipment isn't worth it.