Computer expert Dave Wakeman of VMware said there had been a major shift in the past 10 years that had seen technology become much more accessible and affordable at home.

''About eight years ago I would think it was great to be able to use the computer at work - but now a lot of people have better computers at home,'' he said.

A survey of more than 200 Australia-based executives in January, showed that employees were using non-sanctioned devices and apps in the workplace.

In spite of the reluctance of some bosses, a large number of employees felt ''forced'' to bring their personal devices to work to get the job done, with 51 per cent saying they worked more efficiently when they chose which software, apps, social networking and social media tools to use at work.

It was also making them happier, with 55 per cent of respondents saying that using personal mobile devices made them feel happier about their job and 46 per cent said they found work less stressful that way.

Mr Wakeman said employees were running into trouble with outmoded IT policies being enforced in some workplaces.

''Around 87 per cent of employees have to put up with strict IT policies imposed by employers and 79 per cent get no IT support when they bring their own devices to work,'' he said.

''It's usually to do with concerns about security and fears that laptops will bring in viruses.

''We're trying to understand what it is that will bridge that gap.

''What has come out of this [survey] really clearly is is employers will have to embrace these devices.''

The survey found that nearly 30 per cent of workers said they would continue to bring their devices to work even if they were not allowed.

''These devices are not a fad and they are not going away and that is something that employers will have to deal with.''