Growing numbers of businesses worldwide are embracing hybrid work or seeking ways to do so. In part, this was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated restrictions. This compounded an existing trend towards more flexible working patterns.
Technology resellers need to be able to respond to this increasing demand. At the same time, some businesses remain skeptical of the long-term merits of hybrid and remote work, despite the clear benefits. Resellers must be able to address these doubts. To assist, we have provided a list of essential steps for transitioning to a successful hybrid workplace, and the tools required to make those steps.
Cloud communications
Communication is essential for any organization. If remote workers are unable to access business communication tools outside the office, this inhibits their ability to connect with the rest of the company. This makes it similarly difficult for them to speak with customers, unless they use personal devices and phone numbers, which can look unprofessional.
iPECS ONE is a cloud solution that makes hybrid work much easier. First, it offers rich unified communications (UC) features like voice and video calls, instant messaging and more on a single platform. It is cloud-hosted, which removes the need for on-premises hardware. Better yet, thanks to WebRTC technology, users can access it from a web browser, without even requiring any downloads. This means all employees have the same tools wherever they work, allowing seamless transitions between remote and in-person work.
Security
Security remains a common concern for businesses considering hybrid models. Even if they accept the benefits of flexible work, they still may feel that the additional convenience and productivity come at a cost to security. It is also true that reports of cyber-crime targeting business increased in the first months of widespread COVID restrictions, targeting organizations that were less prepared for a sudden shift to remote work.
This is why all iPECS hybrid working tools come with the highest levels of security built in. Our communications solutions all come as encrypted media on WebRTC. This applies to all channels including voice, video and instant messaging, which keeps out unwanted listeners. With the right protections and practices, hybrid workplaces can be just as secure as in-person offices.
Collaboration tools
For skeptics of hybrid and remote work, collaboration is a major point of concern. The belief is that shared projects are naturally easier for people who share the same physical space. It is true that without the proper tools, remote workers can become isolated from the rest of the team. However, it is a mistake to think this cannot be resolved.
The solution is iPECS ONE, which offers enhanced collaboration features that eliminate the need for teamwork to take place in-person. For example, meetings can take place via a secure video-conferencing platform that makes screen-sharing easy. Quick queries can be resolved over a productivity-boosting instant messaging service. In addition, iPECS ONE offers unparalleled integrations. All major CRMs can be integrated, while the open architecture means that more specialized, bespoke integrations are also possible. This extends the use of the solution, making collaboration easier than ever.
Remote analytics
Working remotely does create difficulty when it comes to quality control. In a shared office, employee oversight is seen as less challenging – if managers share the same location as their teams, they can see who is on a call and get a sense of what is being discussed. Conversely, the perception of remote staff is that monitoring their work is much harder. In fact, both of these perceptions are flawed.
iPECS Analytics is a new call analytics app that can be operated entirely remotely. Managers can view real-time call stats and KPIs in rich detail. As well as offering real-time information on a custom dashboard, iPECS analytics can send managers customizable reports automatically. Since this covers all system users, it eliminates any difference in oversight between remote and in-person workers.
BYOD
BYOD (bring your own device) refers to the growing culture in business to encourage employees to work on their personal cellphones, tablets, and laptops. Apart from reducing hardware costs, this significantly increases workplace mobility and flexibility. If employees can access all systems on their own smart devices, this makes hot-desking easier within the office, while allowing them to switch to remote working seamlessly.
However, organizations require the proper tools to realize a BYOD model. Thanks to WebRTC technology, iPECS ONE is a solution that makes the transition easy. Since this makes the entire platform accessible without software, and via a browser link, iPECS ONE can be made available on any smart device with an internet connection. This makes BYOD easier, which in turn will empower productive hybrid working.
Summary
Hybrid working is a model that offers organizations the benefits of both in-person and remote working. When it works well, the high levels of flexibility will offer businesses more mobility in unpredictable times, while also boosting staff morale and productivity.
To realize these benefits, businesses need the best communications tools. From UC platforms to integrations and add-ons, iPECS offers solutions that allow workers to switch seamlessly between locations, without ever losing touch.
If you would like to find out more about our cloud solutions, speak to your nearest Ericsson-LG Enterprise Global Partner.
