The devices have also evolved -- smartphones and tablets boast increasingly rich functionalities compared to laptops a few years ago.

Employees have become tech-savvy -- many, especially the younger ones, already access e-mails and other communication channels via their mobile devices without IT support.

Yet many local firms still don't have full-fledged BYOD programs, according to William Tam, technical manager, Asia Pacific and Middle East, Websense. "Sectors like banking and finance are slow adopters," said Tam. "But some companies already have BYOD programs for sales staff, and more firms are showing interest in implementing such programs for their mobile workers."

Property agency Midland Realty is one local organization with a phase-by-phase BYOD plan. According to CTO Francis Fung, the firm had various pilot schemes in the past. "Three years ago we had a Blackberry pilot for more than 10 non-sales executives, but they were lukewarm about it," said Fung. "They become excited after we allowed them to pick their own devices and service plans."