Since companies began operating remotely, there has been an increasing demand for dynamic communication and supporting technologies. Now, economic constraints and fears of a potential recession are pushing businesses once again to adapt to prepare for an uncertain future. Companies are expected to boost digital enablement and improve connectivity while simultaneously cutting overall costs and enhancing operational efficiencies – and tools designed for the world of remote and hybrid work will be critical to making that happen.
By Mathew Philip, Senior Director & Country Manager, Sales, GoTo
One study by Gartner found that more than 40% of global employees will work remotely at least once per week. With more people operating in different regions and time zones, companies need solutions that enable information exchange throughout the day and night for rapid, holistic, and persistent communication and insights. Cloud-based and virtual collaborative tools, comprehensive IT management solutions, and innovative intranet software have all emerged as important pieces of the modern remote workplace, but what does that look like in practice today?
See also: Secure Your Mobile Devices and Wireless Connections When Working From Home
Flexible Access with Native Applications
A successful hybrid workforce is not only defined by a remote location but also by the ability to access all work tools and resources from anywhere, across any device. Web-based solutions can be an effective option for providing widespread employee access, but investing in a cloud-supported native application that makes all related tools and information accessible from a single, centralized location is often the best option for simplifying workflows and minimizing potential disruptions. Employees can securely access the company’s network and any materials they might need from anywhere in the world just by opening an application on their laptop or mobile device.
In a recent survey from Frost & Sullivan and GoTo, nearly half of respondents (43%) said IT departments’ jobs have gotten harder with the rise in hybrid work scenarios. IT teams are facing more work without having physical access to employees’ devices or supporting infrastructure, and often have to rely on outdated or inefficient software not intended for a remote workforce.
Streamlined Communications Across Channels
One of the biggest challenges companies have faced in the shift to hybrid work is the loss of casual, in-person communication. It’s no wonder that digital communication tools have proliferated in the last few years to help team members stay connected, but when businesses piece-meal tools from multiple, separate providers, communications can become siloed between channels, hindering collaboration and potentially discouraging employees from engaging with one another. Unified, flexible communications solutions that combine multiple channels like meetings, video, and webinars under one platform, however, remove those roadblocks and can even improve communication over in-office levels by enabling employees to connect when, where and how they want. When implemented cohesively across a business, communication solutions like these can be one of the most powerful tools in a business’s arsenal for meeting the demands of the hybrid workforce.
IT Systems and Device Support Anywhere
In a recent survey from Frost & Sullivan and GoTo, nearly half of respondents (43%) said IT departments’ jobs have gotten harder with the rise in hybrid work scenarios. IT teams are facing more work without having physical access to employees’ devices or supporting infrastructure, and often have to rely on outdated or inefficient software not intended for a remote workforce. With employees now spread around the country or the world, businesses need to invest in a cloud-based IT strategy, with solutions that enable IT teams to remotely access employees’ devices, troubleshoot live, and communicate with team members as they identify issues, no matter where they are working.
Need for Dynamic Communication
Today, businesses are broadening their reach beyond the walls of their workplaces. Employees working remotely want to collaborate with their colleagues in different geographies. Front and back-office workers want access to integrated customer and operational information. To align with the needs of today’s flexible, hybrid workforce, companies must become more agile, innovative, and faster than ever before. Smart and dynamic communication, collaboration, and support solutions will play a critical role for businesses to meet these challenges in today’s hybrid work economy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mathew Philip is a Business Leader with around 26+ years of experience in Business Development, Strategic Alliances & Partnerships, and people management. He has a successful track record in leading large sales teams, creating strategic partnerships, and developing go-to-market strategies. He currently leads Sales for GoTo in India where he has the charter of driving growth within SMB and enterprise segments, as well as building strategic partnerships with Global System Integrators.