With instantaneous communication becoming just another part of everyday business, most execs can’t get away with not having a smartphone. Also known as iPhones, Palm Pres, Androids or Blackberrys, these phones function as mini computers, with all kinds of applications that create a mobile workspace. Users can check e-mail and any other function that they otherwise perform online, as well as remotely access documents and files from desktop computers, record voice messages that are converted into text messages, and even process payments.

The contractors that provide mobile devices for employees should consider the following factors: what the devices can and can’t be used for and whether the phones are 100 percent paid for by the company. If employees are only using the phones for communication with managers and front-line workers, a regular cell phone with a texting plan should suffice. Other workers may need GPS capabilities or other Internet-based communication capabilities.