The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has completely changed the workforce. Increasing numbers of employees are now working remotely, and companies must find innovative ways to bring teams together through the quarantine.
Luckily, there’s an IT business solution to tackle this problem – Microsoft 365. Below, we go over the challenges companies face when they implement remote working, and how Microsoft 365 can help you overcome these obstacles.
Implementing remote working across your organization means overcoming a handful of unique challenges. These issues include:
These challenges, however, are worth overcoming. In fact, by going virtual, you’re preparing your company for the future. Here’s why.
Aside from keeping your company running during a pandemic, remote working has many long-term benefits.
With remote working, your employees are more connected than ever before. A remote IT solution fosters improved communication and collaboration between teams that will last beyond the pandemic.
Quarantine won’t stop your employees from working on time. Since employees can work remotely, they can complete tasks wherever they’re based, whenever you need them completed.
A recent study showed that 72 percent of professionals prioritize remote working options and flexibility when looking for job opportunities. In other words, you can retain your best talent by offering remote working options.
Remote working doesn’t hinder productivity. It actually has the opposite effect. In a recent survey, over 90 percent of employees agreed that flexible or remote working opportunities could increase morale, which in turn boosts productivity.
So, how do you introduce remote working into your company? How do you pick a safe, secure, and reliable IT solution that suits your business? It’s all about picking the right tools – here’s what you should know.
There’s no such thing as a “standard” IT solution for any company. But, there are a few tools that every company should embrace if they plan on making a success of remote working. You will need:
It’s surprisingly easy to provide your employees with these features – all you need are Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Teams. Let’s take a look at how these two products can support your company through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Microsoft 365 is a cloud-based platform that brings together the best of Microsoft Office and makes it portable. With over 1 TB of storage, employees can manage files from anywhere, and they can access all the apps they’ll need, including:
Microsoft 365 comes with the latest security technology, so you can be sure that your confidential data is properly protected in the cloud. Here are the top features to know about.
With Microsoft 365, you can easily password-protect and encrypt sensitive files. Without worrying over cybercrime, you can focus on the business.
Documents, data, and emails sync automatically across devices, so employees always have access to the most up-to-date files, when they need them.
The platform allows you to automate many repetitive tasks, which increases productivity and streamlines your operations.
Microsoft 365 makes it simple for you to communicate vital updates across the company, including changes to your internal remote working policies. Take full advantage of this feature by embracing Microsoft Teams.
Microsoft Teams is a unified communications tool within Microsoft 365. It lets your team work together in a common space, just as if they were in the office. All your employees need is an internet connection and computer device to get started. With Microsoft Teams, your team can:
No matter where your employees are working from, they’re brought together when it matters through Microsoft Teams. Here are the two standout benefits you should know about.
Microsoft Teams centralizes all your communications. So, there’s no need for employees to leave the main screen if they want to read an email or jump on a voice call – everything is accessible from the central space. It’s also easy for you to check on employee productivity.
Since Microsoft Teams streamlines communications between colleagues, managers can make instant decisions based on the most up-to-date information possible. Employees can instantly clarify points with each other, and everyone has access to the most recent version of every file.
Still wondering how Microsoft Teams can benefit your company? A Microsoft survey revealed that you’ll save 4 hours of lost productivity every week by using the platform:
Credit: Microsoft
The easiest way to get your IT solutions up and running is by enlisting the help of a managed service provider (MSP). An IT specialist can quickly assess your unique business needs and identify the best way to deliver Microsoft services around the team. They’ll handle the Microsoft 365 migration and roll out Microsoft Teams across the company. What’s more, an MSP offers 24/7 tech support to keep you moving.
An MSP will:
With an MSP on your side, you can focus on nurturing your business.
With the right IT solutions, you can easily manage your teams and grow your business even in these challenging times. So, if you need an IT business solution and managed service provider to help you through this crisis, contact us now.