What started as a pandemic-driven necessity has now become a business strategy.
Globally, the rental and leasing market for computers is estimated to reach $5.5 billion by 2032 with a CAGR of 2.1%, according to research. It also found that this is being driven by changing working behaviours and corporate attitudes; more companies are opting to rent over buy due to the pressure capex puts on operational cash flows and credit ratings. As Kalli Govender, Senior Product Manager: IT Hardware at Qwerti, points out, the pandemic was just the start of the rental boom, now the market is shifting into deeper gear as companies recognise the value.
“Interestingly, the trend has moved from the original refurbished, second-hand devices,” she adds. “Companies are now also interested in brand-new laptops that give their employees all the tools and capabilities they need to work remotely more efficiently.”
“While providing a high-end laptop isn’t the only step a company should take towards employee engagement, it is certainly a big one,” says Kalli. “The days of demanding that employees provide their own laptops, work on ageing equipment, and deal with the frustrations of poorly maintained technology are over. The same applies to companies that demand their staff stay at their desks and brave traffic to get to work – flexibility has become a major differentiator.”
This flexibility is reflected in how easily the laptop rental market can adapt to changing company requirements and expectations. The first benefit lies in how companies can enjoy high-end laptops without massive cash outlay, with the added bonus of next business day onsite support.
“Perhaps one of the biggest advantages offered by rental is the fact that there is no CAPEX overhead for companies,” says Kalli. “The burden of laptop ownership is transferred which makes it easier to cycle older laptops out for new ones and to ensure that any old tech is then recycled properly through a trusted service provider. These are key considerations today, especially in light of environmental reporting and ethical corporate behaviours.,”
Wedded to this is, of course, the value brought by the simplicity of rental. Choose the laptop, get it delivered, and work on it. As far as plug-and-play goes, this is the fastest and most efficient route to ensuring that the business can access the right technology on demand. As Kalli points out, while times are so tough economically, having a service that makes life easier and more cost-effective is a very strong driver.
“Companies want to get on with work, they don’t want the complexities of technology and vulnerabilities and IT,” she concludes. “Rental allows for companies to more tightly align their ESG objectives with their technology investments, it is far more cost-effective than purchasing, and it ensures that employees have the technology they need.”
A New Lease on Life: Changing Workforce and Workplace Trends are Changing the Laptop Rental Economy
