HOW TO RESTRICT CORONAVIRUS IN YOUR BUSINESS WITH REMOTE WORKING

​Working remotely is on an upward trend that's showing no signs of slowing down. Now, with the onset of the Covid-19 coronavirus, businesses must respond and consider the option of a remote workforce.

Consequently, the government's plans for social distancing measures include encouraging large sections of UK staff to work from home.

Social networking company Twitter has led the way with an announcement on 3 March 2020, encouraging its 5,000 staff to work from home.
 
So, what could it mean for your business? Does your business have a remote-working contingency plan in place, yet? This would ensure that your team could continue to operate safely during this outbreak.
 
Here at The Technology Group, we're a managed communications provider and experts in our field. This post looks at remote working and how to restrict coronavirus in your business so you can continue to operate.

REMOTE WORKING IS EASIER DUE TO TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS

Working remotely is becoming more popular and we now have the technology to support it.

​Figures from the National of Office Statistics indicate 50% of UK employees will be working this way by next year.
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Furthermore, up to 90% of staff say they'd like to work remotely at least some of the time.

Building a remote team is within reach of businesses with the number of tools now available. From VoIP (voiceover internet protocol) to audio/video web-meetings and project management tools, there's no excuse.
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As a result, teams can connect and chat as though they were in the same office. Also, meetings can be conducted with staff outside of the office and workers can stay updated with progress on projects.

Some businesses mix regular office staff with remote workers and this can work well. There are, however, companies whose entire workforce are remote such as Buffer, GitLab, Zapier. Although this is still rare, more businesses are deciding to scrap a head office.

​BENEFITS OF REMOTE WORKING FOR YOUR BUSINESS

​There are many benefits to providing remote working within your business. Aside from your staff feeling happier and being more productive, costs will be less, too.

​For example, VoIP (a system that delivers a phone service through your internet connection) usually results in lower rates. More importantly, our private hosted telephony solution allows you to work anywhere from any device.

Many remote workers love the flexibility around this way of working. Consequently, they're likely to stick with your company for longer. It can also allow more mature staff with their wealth of knowledge and experience to continue working.

​Tools You Will Need For Remote Working

​Listed are some key tools and programs that give the ability for your team to work remotely.
 
Cloud Storage & Collaboration
All files are stored on the cloud which can be accessed from anywhere. This can also be your backup file storage to guard against losing everything if your systems crash.
Tools - Dropbox, Google Drive, One Drive 

Cloud Office Systems
Whether you’re loyal to Google or Microsoft, these essential office programs have introduced features for team members to collaborate online. SaaS (software as a service) subscriptions make it possible to work on any device. These collaboration tools give your team the ability to manage documents simultaneously.
Tools - Office 365, Google Suite

Project Management
Whatever your business, CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems can be the foundation that your business is built on while your team can work from the same central core foundation together. A lot of CRM systems can also be logged in on a web browser page.
Tools - ConnectWise, Trello, Asana, Monday, Salesforce, Zoho, Hubspot

Voice Calls
Are your phone lines still on ISDN/PTSD? If so, it’s time to upgrade to VoIP before the BT switch off. Upgrading your phone system to VoIP has huge benefits to your business.  As well as cutting your phone bill you’re also able to easily direct your office landline phone number to another number or mobile with our private hosted telephony solution.  With the 3CX app you are also able to answer your phone anywhere while you’re away from your desk or office. So, you are always connected wherever you are. Read more about VoIP telephony here.
Tools – 3CX- Find out more about 3CX here.
 
Unified Communications (UC)
The term “Unified Communication” or “UC” describes not only how we connect different communication systems for the digital workforce, but collaboration tools too! Seamless UC ensures a central communication system for your team. Calls can be redirected to a mobile or other phone number from the office with a presence board to show who is online and available.There is also the capability for audio/video calling and scheduling web-meeting conferences, as well as share screen visibility to collaborate and instant chat with colleagues.

3CX makes communication easy as it includes voice and video calls, chat, click to call, mobile app and the team presence board as standard thus eliminating the need to have separate collaboration and voice tools.
Tools – 3CX - Find out more about 3CX here.
 
Chat / IM - Instant Message
The rise of popularity using instant messaging/chat over the years has increased. The ability to deliver instant communication by sending a quick IM chat message can improve efficiency and productivity among the team.
Tools – 3CX, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Hangouts Chat 

Video Calling
There are many beneficial factors to video calling such as organising remote meetings that can save travel costs and time. Or include another remote colleague into the meeting if they are unable to be there in person.
Tools – 3CX, Skype, Google Hangouts, Zoom, Go To Meeting 

Team Presence Board
A team board shows and informs your colleagues on where you are, your availability and status. This level of visibility allows your company to access the first point of contact and shows where to transfer the call or take a message.
Tools – 3CX, Microsoft Teams

Here's a list of remote working tools being used right now in the world of home working. These tools make it easy for the whole team, including those working remotely to keep up-to-date and feel part of the office.

​​Conclusion

Remote working is here to stay and particularly with the on-going spread of Covid-19 Coronavirus. The Technology Group understand it's a reality that businesses will need to face in the coming weeks and the long-term future.
 
You can make sure your office is up to date with a Private Hosted Telephony Solution giving your team the choice to work remotely during the coronavirus crisis.

​Our team of experts can help with every step in the move to remote working. We can provide technology and also on-going support to help your business continue operating.
 
Don't miss our 15-minute webinar call to find out how our telephony solutions can help. Just call 0345 450 7444 to speak to one of our experts today. Alternatively, you can contact us or send us a message in the live-chat box in the bottom right-hand corner of our website.