Since the Covid-19 pandemic, work as we know it has changed. Companies had to introduce a work from home policy to stay in business, and organizations quicker off the mark regarding remote work have found the right balance.
Big tech companies now have full remote work and hybrid options in place. These policies allow employees to live and work from anywhere they please, drastically reducing the congestion popular tech hubs like California and New York are having. Rather than waste time, money, and energy commuting, employees can do work that matters.
Research showed that 65 percent of workers wanted to keep working from home even after the Covid restrictions were lifted. But more shocking is 58 percent indicated they would look for a new job should they return to an in-office setting. This shows that businesses now have little choice but to make their operations more flexible. Businesses will also be better positioned to benefit from a global talent pool with remote work options.
Companies and employees must adopt software that improves productivity and foster interpersonal relationships to make the most of remote work. Here are tools that can bridge the gap physical presence will create.
Use Cloud Storage
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Cloud storage reduces the back and forth of sending resources to different employees by hosting shared resources. Whether you saved the file using a phone, you can retrieve it with a laptop or another device. You also reduce the IT management cost if you were running internal resources.
Small businesses can buy lifetime cloud storage from the big tech companies and forever outsource their storage problem at a reasonable cost. Cloud storage also has an immense advantage over local storage in data security. When data saved on a local device is corrupted or lost, it can be difficult to recover. However, with cloud storage, the chances of your data being lost are next to zero as data is backed up on multiple data centers.
A virtual PBX system, for instance, is another cloud-based technology that uses the shared network to power free calls between users. It also has other features like voicemail, call recording, call queues, and interactive voice menus, easily replacing traditional office landlines.
Use Virtual Communication Apps
Virtual communication allows employees to have conference meetings with the team anywhere. Teams no longer have to come into the office for crunch-time meetings, as virtual meetings can simulate the in-office meetings and achieve similar results. Now businesses can make decisions and disseminate information without worrying about communication silos.
A virtual PBX is a good example of a communication system that helps bridge the in-office gap. It helps you bring your team from different locations seamlessly onto a communication platform. Its rich voice, text, conferencing, and online meeting features give employees flexibility. A virtual PBX uses an internet connection rather than an analog line for communication, making it cheaper and offering a richer experience.
Use Virtual Collaboration Tools
Collaboration tools are an absolute necessity for remote work. Employees can work together on projects, and managers can make corrections in real-time. All team members know the tasks spelled out for them and would not miss important updates since all communication will be carried out within the platform.
When changes are made to tasks, everyone on the team gets notified. And since keeping track of multiple applications can be overwhelming, having video conferencing, messaging, and file sharing go through one platform can be a game-changer. Employees can use the time and effort spent on different platforms more productively.
Use Scheduling Tools
Time zone differences can be a challenge to working remotely, and teams working together on certain tasks may need to collaborate in real-time but might be hindered by different time zones. As such, to get the best of your remote team, pair teams with close time zones.
The manager can reduce availability conflicts and maximize efficiency. With a working knowledge of the team’s schedule, managers can book the best time slots for conference calls. Project management and collaboration tools often integrate scheduling features that allow employees to integrate their calendars. These tools can also help other employees know when colleagues will be available or in a meeting.
Planning Makes All The Difference
The benefits of remote work largely outweigh its shortcomings. But without the right tools and an excellent strategy, the business will struggle to drive productivity in remote work settings. Businesses must find and employ tailored solutions for their needs.
