Is your current hardware sufficient for your business goals? What can be updated versus what needs to be overhauled? How can costs be recouped through ITAD?

Though the process can seem overwhelming, you can follow these simple steps to get a jumpstart on your e waste management strategy. Find out why it’s important to partner with a qualified electronics recycler to schedule an assessment before your devices reach end-of-life. 

Prioritizing the Digital Experience

With a growing amount of people working remotely or in hybrid work environments, having current, reliable software is more important than ever. According to U.S. Census data, the number of people who primarily worked from home tripled between 2019 and 2021. Nearly 58 percent of Americans are offered the opportunity to work from home at least one day a week. 

Considering remote workers require the right equipment to engage with other employees and adequately perform their jobs, having a digital employee experience strategy has become a high priority for small and large businesses alike. A strong employee experience strategy, including robust software and updated IT equipment, can make the difference between a satisfied or unsatisfied employee. One report found that 95 percent of employees said IT issues decrease workplace productivity and morale.

The Domino Effect of Poor IT Performance

Poor IT software performance and frustrations can cause a ripple effect throughout an organization. If a business encounters a rise in software and hardware issues, IT ticket orders back up. Consequently, when IT tickets back up, employees lose productivity and may become irritated at the delay in service. This can push project deadlines, and ultimately hinder a business from achieving yearly goals. 

The average U.S. worker wastes up to 22 minutes per day dealing with tech issues in the workplace. This can add up to 95 hours of lost productivity per year—the equivalent of two weeks of work. Some IT issues that can hinder an employee’s digital experience include a perceived lack of response to unresolved IT problems, not having the appropriate software or equipment to perform a job, and leadership not adequately supporting the digital experience (including budgeting for upgrades). 

When (and How) to do an IT Refresh

Devices over five years old require additional IT hours, have greater security risks, and encounter slow systems or incompatibility issues. If your business is spending significant time dealing with IT-related issues resulting in lost productivity, or your devices are outdated, it may be time to consider a tech upgrade. While it may involve an additional up-front cost, replacing outdated equipment can save valuable employee time over the long-term. 

In general, a company-wide planned device refresh includes the following steps:

  • Evaluate what equipment is performing poorly and needs to be refurbished or replaced
  • Create a budget for refurbished or new devices and equipment
  • Determine what infrastructure will be needed to support your new equipment
  • Create an IT data trail to track the whereabouts of old (and new) devices
  • Test software and devices to ensure compatibility with internal needs
  • Plan how equipment will be delivered or distributed to the end user

How E Waste Management Can Help

No matter your IT refresh needs, creating an e waste management strategy can help you save internal time, money and resources. E waste management experts will responsibly remove and recycle your equipment, giving you certificates to prove it. Additionally, this provides your business with the peace of mind of having made an environmentally conscious ITAD choice. 

A qualified electronics recycler can help you assess what IT equipment can be salvaged or refurbished versus recycled once it reaches the end of its usefulness for your organization. As a bonus, your organization can recover some value and costs in the recycled or remarketed components.

If you’re considering an IT refresh, contact Global Electronics Recycling today to schedule an assessment based on your unique organizational needs. 

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