APAC workers resent asking permission to access software, study finds

Workers in the Asia Pacific region are willing to 'go rogue' when it comes to their work devices, according to a new report that also found they resent asking for permission to access software and applications.

The new findings from technology intelligence solutions firm Snow Software, found millennials are almost twice as likely to go behind the IT department's back compared to older workers, with 81% admitting they have used or accessed something on their work device without permission versus just 51% of baby boomers who have done the same.

The report found 49% of APAC respondents have used or accessed work software and applications without IT's permission, compared to 41% globally, while 48% of APAC respondents have accessed personal photos, music and videos without permission, compared to 40% globally. The findings also showed 55% of APAC respondents have accessed work documents on their personal computer, compared to 51% globally

The report showed APAC respondents particularly resented have to ask permission to access certain things on their devices. It revealed 36% of APAC respondents feel having to wait for IT's permission to use software and applications slows them down and impacts deadlines, compared to 32% globally

Moreover, 35% of APAC respondents feel asking for permission to get software and applications gets in the way of being productive, compared to 31% globally.

However, the report also found that APAC IT workers are more optimistic than their global counterparts, with 24% of APAC repondents saying they feel vulnerable (in line globally), compared to 29% for U.S, and 36% + 35% of APAC instead feel hopeful and safe, compared to 30% + 26% globally. The report also found that 88% of APAC respondents care if their company complies with regulations, compared with 83% globally

The report found that millennials are almost twice as likely to go rogue compared to baby boomers, with 81% admitting they have used or accessed something on their work device without IT's permission versus just 51% of older workers who have done the same.

The biggest difference was in software and applications. In the millennial age group, 47% reported accessing work apps and 46% admitted to accessing personal apps with permission.

Interestingly, the report found employees with the most power are the worst behaved.

Vice presidents and c-level executives led the way in using work software and applications (57%), personal software and applications (51%) and personal documents (54%) without permission. Directors were most likely to access personal photos, music and videos on work devices (50%).

At the opposite end of the spectrum, entry-level employees are the best behaved, with 38% reporting they have never accessed anything on their work device without IT's permission