Does Your COVID-19 Remote Workforce Strategy Have The Definition To Succeed?

Transitioning employees to Cloud-based networks has become an urgent matter. But preliminary measures must be in place, which is why managed IT is so crucial.  

The COVID-19 crisis has upended the way we live, work, and put many of us in a holding pattern. That doesn’t necessarily mean businesses need to close until the pandemic subsides.

Advancements in business technology such as the Cloud and other forms of remote connectivity can help companies remain productive during these challenging times. Remote workforces are fast becoming the new normal.

“The notion of mandatory daily employee attendance in the office is already obsolete. Not one – not one! — the study suggests that working in an office eight hours a day, five days a week maximizes employee productivity, satisfaction, or performance,” Forbes article “Remote Work Is The New Norm. Will It Last?” states.

The article goes on to argue that the United States Commercial Real Estate Services “estimates that the typical company in the U.S. spends upward of $12,000 per employee per year for office space. It’s hard to find a return-on-investment case for office space, and much harder still to find any company that makes a compelling one.”

But before business leaders run headlong into a Cloud-based workforce, there are some preliminary measures for companies to consider.

How Many Employees Should Work Remotely?

One of the critical first steps to remote capabilities is deciding how much of your workforce to include in Cloud-based platforms. These remote capabilities have been around for a while, and many companies already transitioned salespeople and traditional fieldwork positions into the Cloud. But in a world determined to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, some businesses may want to contemplate fully remote teams.

To effect such change, increased application licensing will be required. Companies will also need to make decisions about computers and devices. Will your organization provide the remote technology or leave it to personal home computers and laptops? It may not be prudent to access highly sensitive data through their own devices.

What Happens To Face-To-Face Client Interactions?

It’s not uncommon for niche industries to base their success on in-person interactions with valued clients. Personal business relationships can be significant difference-makers, particularly for growing organizations.

Given that social distancing practices are in place, and could remain so until a cure has been developed, some technologies can fill communication gaps. Some of the following video conferencing apps can be downloaded into everyday devices and help maintain ties with clients.

• Zoom
• Google Hangouts
• FaceTime
• GoToMeeting
• Skype for Business
• Slack

Another communication item to consider is whether telephones systems are adequate to merge remote and office calls seamlessly. Companies may want to consider Cloud-based phone capabilities such a VoIP. This allows workforces to access company phones from any location, 24-7. Without such technology infrastructure in place, employees could be fielding calls from personal cell phones, and that takes business leaders out of the loop.

There is a myriad of technology issues for industry leaders to consider when transitioning to remote workforces. That’s why savvy decision-makers typically enlist a managed IT expert to define the process and put the critical technology assets in place.

If you are interested in an increased remote footprint, the experienced professionals at the Technology Advisory Group are prepared to help you through these troubled times.